Founder lessons so far: what I’ve learned

Becoming a founder is nothing like I expected. In some ways, it’s exhilarating, in others, humbling and at times downright terrifying. A year in, I’ve learned that building something from scratch isn’t about perfection - it’s about learning, adapting, leaning into uncertainty and backing myself.

The first lesson? Embrace the uncomfortable. Every day brings a new challenge - a problem you didn’t anticipate, a decision you didn’t know you had to make, or a moment that tests your confidence. It’s in these uncomfortable moments that growth happens. Facing them head-on, rather than avoiding them, has been the single biggest accelerator for learning.

The second lesson is clarity of purpose is everything. When you’re creating something new, it’s easy to get distracted by noise - other people’s expectations, trends, or “what’s next.” Staying anchored to why I started, what matters to me and the impact I want to have keeps every decision aligned and every challenge meaningful.

I’ve also learned that people are your superpower. Mentors, advisors, collaborators and friends who offer a sounding board are invaluable. No founder succeeds alone, and asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. I’ve come to find amazing people right under my nose and from parts of my life I thought I would never uncover again.

Another lesson? Iteration beats perfection. I used to think I had to have everything figured out before taking the next step. The reality is that progress comes from taking imperfect steps, testing, learning and adjusting as you go. Waiting for the “perfect” moment just wastes time. But in truth – I’m still learning this.

I’ve discovered the importance of celebrating small wins. Building something meaningful is hard and it’s easy to feel like progress is slow. Every solved problem, piece of feedback, or moment of validation is fuel for momentum. Pausing to acknowledge these moments keeps motivation high and perspective clear.

Yet, there are parts of the corporate world I miss. I miss the daily check-ins, the sense of shared purpose and the privilege of leading a team and seeing people grow under your guidance. I miss driving change at scale, feeling the impact ripple across an organization and being part of something bigger than myself. Those experiences were energising, challenging and deeply rewarding - and they set a benchmark for the standards I aim to carry forward now, even in a very different context.

Finally, the biggest lesson so far is resilience is learned, not innate. There are days when nothing goes to plan, when confidence wavers, and doubts creep in. But resilience isn’t about never feeling fear or frustration; it’s about continuing anyway, learning from mistakes and moving forward even when the path is uncertain.

Founding something from scratch has already taught me more about myself than I expected. I’ve discovered patience, courage and the power of curiosity. And while there are still many challenges ahead, I feel grounded in the knowledge that the lessons I’m learning now will shape not just this venture, but the person I am becoming along the way (as cheesy as it sounds!).

Building something meaningful isn’t easy, but it’s worth every challenge. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s that every high, low, and unexpected twist has something to teach - and that reflection, intention and curiosity are the most powerful tools a founder can have.