Week #7 - MBA 6101 - Ascend Your Start-Up, Chapter 7, The Summit: A View Toward Your Next Peak

In The Summit: A View Toward Your Next Peak, the seventh chapter of Ascend Your Start-Up, Yu explains that an organization’s “growth thrives at the intersection of technology and humanity.” According to Yu, an organization needs the “vision and wisdom” of the “right people” to drive technology.  Gaining a foothold on the global stage is a team effort that requires support from the entire organization.   

Decision #22: How will you inspire cultural collaboration?

Yu explains a collaborative culture as taking the initiative to create an “inclusive, thriving culture” that is open and welcomes ideas and innovations. For the entrepreneur, it is important to be the voice of those within the organization that are underrepresented.  To nurture cultural collaboration, it is important to consider many aspects of the organization. Some examples include ensuring hiring practices encourage cultural fit, placing value on relationship building, demonstrating open communication and trust from the organization’s leadership, and creating an environment that encourages empathy.  

Decision #23: How has your technology connected humanity in a better or bigger way?

Yu states unequivocally that “technology is a path to freedom.” For many, technology provides a means to almost limitless opportunities to learn and explore. Yu places the burden on tech start-up founders to use their technology to make a positive, constructive difference for humanity.

Decision #24: How will you armor up for adversity?

According to Yu, “in the face of adversity, we are who we choose to be.”  For the budding start-up, hurdles and obstacles are the rule rather than the exception and should be expected.  Yu stresses the importance of the roles of physical and mental preparation in overcoming adversity. When a snag is encountered, it’s critical to maintain a positive viewpoint and committed to staying on course (or prepared for potential detours). Yu encourages entrepreneurs to remember to acknowledge achievements no matter how small and to foster a positive team experience.      

Decision #25: How will you handle the loneliness factor?

While undoubtedly rewarding, according to Yu, the climb for the entrepreneur is a “solitary” experience.  Because of it’s inherent loneliness, Yu emphasizes the importance for entrepreneurs to create a supportive community to help cope with the rigors of professional life.  

Decision #26: How will you take care of and preserve yourself?

The final micro-decision that Yu puts forward is “how will you take care of and preserve yourself?” For entrepreneurs (and their employees), it’s easy misconstrue overworking as passion.  Like an overtrained athlete that becomes prone to exhaustion and even injury, an overworked entrepreneur can become prone to “burnout, unwanted company culture, missteps, and even illness.” To counteract this tendency, Yu stresses the importance of self-care to ensure mental and physical well-being.