Founders usually juggle twin identities — the dreamer who imagines, and the doer who delivers. The ‘thought particular person’ sparks innovation with daring visions and disruptive ideas. However relating to constructing one thing that lasts, the baton should move to the ‘execution particular person’ — the one who wrestles with each day setbacks, adapts by chaos, and drives progress one hard-earned step at a time. Within the startup world, the place concepts are considerable and fleeting, it’s execution that separates the aspirational from the distinctive.
Calling out a standard false impression amongst first-time entrepreneurs, Hari Menon, co-founder and CEO of BigBasket, shared why founders ought to embrace the function of the ‘execution particular person’ moderately than simply the ‘thought particular person’.
In a candid publish on LinkedIn, Menon wrote, “I have been chatting with a bunch of younger founders recently and a curious theme retains cropping up. Many founders suppose their main function is to be the ‘thought particular person’. To dream large, sketch grand visions and map out thrilling roadmaps. I very a lot get it. Concepts really feel energising, intoxicating even. However right here’s slightly secret from a long time within the trenches. Concepts are the simplest a part of constructing a enterprise. Really. Your actual job is to be the execution particular person. Your each day grind is navigating setbacks, embracing pivots, staying affected person throughout irritating delays and determining methods to survive when the market modifications sooner than you may say product-market match.”
He added, “Concepts may spark the hearth, certain, however execution is what retains it burning by stormy nights and unpredictable days.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Menon famous, “My 25 years of expertise has taught me that goals with out relentless execution stay simply goals. So don’t simply be the founder who lights the spark. Be the one who carries the torch. 💡”
The publish struck a chord throughout the startup group.
“That is gold. As somebody within the early phases of constructing, I’m studying that execution is the place true resilience is examined. Concepts ignite ardour — however constant motion is what sustains progress,” one person wrote.
One other added, “Sensible perception. Concepts might begin the journey, but it surely’s constant execution that builds legacies.”
Echoing Menon’s sentiment, a 3rd person shared, “It is a essential reminder that whereas concepts are important, it’s our potential to execute and adapt that actually defines our success as founders.”
A fourth introduced in a parallel from Elon Musk: “Hello Hari sir. Your publish echoes one thing Elon Musk as soon as mentioned: ‘Concepts are commodity. Execution of them isn’t.’ Thanks for this trustworthy reminder — it’s a lesson each aspiring entrepreneur ought to carry ahead. 🔥”
After which, in a lighter vein, one person summed it up bluntly: “Could not have agreed extra. The second somebody says ‘I’m an Concept man’… my satan thoughts says this man is lazy… will run away when the going will get robust 😃.”