Founders typically juggle twin identities — the dreamer who imagines, and the doer who delivers. The ‘concept particular person’ sparks innovation with daring visions and disruptive ideas. However relating to constructing one thing that lasts, the baton should cross to the ‘execution particular person’ — the one who wrestles with each day setbacks, adapts by chaos, and drives progress one hard-earned step at a time. Within the startup world, the place concepts are considerable and fleeting, it’s execution that separates the aspirational from the distinctive.
Calling out a typical false impression amongst first-time entrepreneurs, Hari Menon, co-founder and CEO of BigBasket, shared why founders ought to embrace the position of the ‘execution particular person’ fairly than simply the ‘concept particular person’.
In a candid put up on LinkedIn, Menon wrote, “I have been chatting with a bunch of younger founders these days and a curious theme retains cropping up. Many founders suppose their main position is to be the ‘concept particular person’. To dream huge, sketch grand visions and map out thrilling roadmaps. I very a lot get it. Concepts really feel energising, intoxicating even. However right here’s a little bit secret from a long time within the trenches. Concepts are the best a part of constructing a enterprise. Really. Your actual job is to be the execution particular person. Your each day grind is navigating setbacks, embracing pivots, staying affected person throughout irritating delays and determining methods to survive when the market adjustments sooner than you’ll be able to say product-market match.”
He added, “Concepts may spark the hearth, certain, however execution is what retains it burning by stormy nights and unpredictable days.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Menon famous, “My 25 years of expertise has taught me that desires with out relentless execution stay simply desires. So don’t simply be the founder who lights the spark. Be the one who carries the torch. 💡”
The put up struck a chord throughout the startup group.
“That is gold. As somebody within the early levels of constructing, I’m studying that execution is the place true resilience is examined. Concepts ignite ardour — however constant motion is what sustains progress,” one consumer wrote.
One other added, “Sensible perception. Concepts could begin the journey, nevertheless it’s constant execution that builds legacies.”
Echoing Menon’s sentiment, a 3rd consumer shared, “It is a essential reminder that whereas concepts are important, it’s our skill to execute and adapt that really defines our success as founders.”
A fourth introduced in a parallel from Elon Musk: “Hello Hari sir. Your put up echoes one thing Elon Musk as soon as stated: ‘Concepts are commodity. Execution of them shouldn’t be.’ Thanks for this sincere reminder — it’s a lesson each aspiring entrepreneur ought to carry ahead. 🔥”
After which, in a lighter vein, one consumer summed it up bluntly: “Could not have agreed extra. The second somebody says ‘I’m an Concept man’… my satan thoughts says this man is lazy… will run away when the going will get robust 😃.”