Why Entrepreneurs Like Foxes Are the Real MVPs
Ever notice how most folks just sit on the sidelines, skeptical of anyone daring to jump off the corporate curb? Start‑ups have a rough track record—about half die, a fraction hit the “game‑changer” sweet spot. Sure, the 9‑to‑5 with its predictability and steady paycheck seems far easier, but for those of us reading this, it’s not the dream. You’re a dreamer, and the only thing holding you back? Fear of failure, self‑doubt, skill gaps, or simply not having tried it before.
The Fox vs. the Hedgehog
Long ago, Greek poet Archilochus wrote, “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” In a 20‑year study by Professor Philip Tetlock, generalists—fox‑like thinkers—outperformed specialists when navigating uncertainty. They draw on a wide variety of experiences and thrive when ambiguity rules.
When I launched HBRE in 2010, nobody believed I had the background to pull it off. No property chops, no MSc in Real Estate, no venture‑capital pedigree. I wasn’t a hedgehog. Yet I pushed forward because I believed in the power of the fox. A solid entrepreneur only needs the ability to find the right people and the right skills to cover gaps. The more you know, the easier it is to spot who can fill those blanks.
Equip Yourself With “Mental Armour”
Scaling can feel scary. The world is full of doom‑mongers ready to celebrate your flop. It’s all too easy to let their words seep into your mind. When someone says you can’t do something, pivot mentally and focus elsewhere. Think of it as donning mental armour—just as Felix Dennis puts it. Most of us crave reassurance from others before moving forward, and that’s a costly mistake. Listen, but make your own call, even if it ruffles a few feathers.
In the Realm of Unknown Unknowns
Donald Rumsfeld famously said, “There are known knowns; there are known unknowns; and beyond that lurk the unknown unknowns.” Even with exhaustive due diligence, you can’t truly predict every twist. Over the last two years, I’ve invested in seven ventures, and the honest truth is you don’t know the winner until you’re live. Your only choice lies in action: step up or stay idle.
Turn “Fear of Failure” Into Skill
Large corporates often overlook risk‑takers who fail, creating a culture that dampens entrepreneurial sparks. The irony? Many successful founders stumble through corporate roles, then grapple with the same fear of making mistakes in their own startups. I did exactly that—started an e‑commerce venture named Tribal Monsoon, failed, but gained invaluable insight. That failure sharpened my decision‑making. If you’re new, launch a scaled‑down version, test it, and let the experience teach you whether to scale or call it quits. Either outcome frees you from the fear cage.
Live Like No One Else
Running a business is one thing; scaling to build wealth is another. Scaling demands relentless hustle and discipline—think tennis champions. Most are unprepared for such intensity. I wake at 5 a.m., grind until 10:30 p.m., with an hour of “me time.” Even Sundays are work‑heavy. It’s a grind that fits the quote: “Entrepreneurship is living a few years like most people won’t, so you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” You must love what you do; work and home will merge like a tight rope.
Bottom Line
The journey to scale relies on boldness, a fox‑like mindset, and the capacity to keep moving despite the unknowns. Debate is great for clarity, but risk remains. If you want to chase your dream, cut through the noise, embrace uncertainty, and let your survival instincts guide you. The fox’s life can be learned—it just requires appetite and action.
