The #1 Misconception Founders Have, And How to Avoid It
If I Love My Idea, Customers Will Too.” Why That Thinking Could Kill Your Startup. It’s one of the most common (and dangerous) misconceptions in entrepreneurship: “If I think my solution is brilliant, surely others will too.” Founders fall into this trap all the time. They become so enamored with their product or technology that […]
How Blending Research and Real-World Experience Makes The Start-Up Puzzle Different
The Hidden Power of Bridging Theory and Practice What happens when a seasoned business leader and a leading entrepreneurship scholar listen to the same interviews and walk away with completely different insights? That’s exactly how The Start-Up Puzzle was born. When Robert van Pappelendam (RvP) and Dr. Joris Meijaard began their research journey, interviewing dozens […]
Want to Build a Unicorn? Start by Falling in Love with the Problem
The most iconic start-ups of our time, Airbnb, Stripe, Nutrafol, didn’t start with flashy tech or grand visions. They started with a deep obsession with a very real, often personal, problem. As The Start-Up Puzzle puts it: Great founders don’t just solve problems, they live them. In fact, many successful founders are their own first customers. They feel the […]
Start-Ups vs. Corporations: Why They’re Playing Entirely Different Games
There’s a romanticism to start-ups the garage, the chaos, the breakthrough moment. And there’s a sense of superiority in corporates resources, experience, structure. But what The Start-Up Puzzle reveals is that these two species of business are not just at different stages of growth. They are playing fundamentally different games. Start-ups are chaos by design. They are […]
Many entrepreneurs experience imposter syndrome. How can they overcome self-doubt and build confidence in their abilities?
Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for entrepreneurs, and I would argue business leaders at large, even the most successful ones. Although we did not write a psychological self-help book, we do offer practical strategies that you might find helpful to overcome self-doubt and build lasting confidence: – Focus on Progress, Not Perfection. Many founders feel like […]
What habits or routines do you believe are crucial for entrepreneurs to cultivate long-term success?
Successful entrepreneurs cultivate habits that keep them focused, agile, and resilient. The following routines I have observed to be associated with long-term success: – Start Each Day with Clarity. Top entrepreneurs begin their day by setting clear priorities. Whether through a morning reflection, a quick strategy session, or goal-setting, they ensure their time is spent on […]