Entrepreneurs tell us about starting their businesses

Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

“You should never go to bed angry.”
• Many therapists recommend resolving conflicts before sleeping, but I believe that stepping away and revisiting with a clearer mind after rest can lead to better outcomes. In fact making decisions when angry can result in vindictive or overly harsh actions. Similarly decisions made during moments of extreme happiness may ignore potential downsides. Hence, rest helps reset your perspective, both anger and happiness are temporary emotional states that can skew our decision-making by prioritizing immediate feelings over long term consequences. Stepping back to rest and reflect allow us to process emotions, clarify our priorities and make decisions aligned with our best judgment. Read more>>

As an Animal Rights Activist, I disagree with the conventional advice that “We need to drink cow’s milk and eat animals for our health.” Just because something has been a tradition, doesn’t make it ethical, necessary, or beneficial.
In 2025, we have access to an abundance of plant-based foods that provide all the nutrients we need, without causing harm to animals or the planet. Read more>>

As the owner of Birdie Frozen Yogurt, one piece of conventional advice I disagree with is the idea that businesses should “stick to what you know” and avoid diversifying. While it’s important to have a clear vision, I believe innovation and experimentation are key to growth, especially in the food industry. Offering new flavors, unique toppings, or even seasonal menu items can help keep customers engaged and excited. Adapting to trends or exploring new ideas doesn’t dilute your brand; it strengthens it and keeps your business relevant. Read more>>

One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is the idea that success is simply about wanting something badly enough or copying what works for others. While persistence and hard work are important, I believe success is deeply personal and starts with self-awareness. Read more>>
