Since Ninety’s inception, we've faced a number of marketing hurdles. While we see our platform as universally beneficial, communicating our Unique Value Proposition effectively to all our potential users without diluting our message is not an easy lift. Ninety is designed to empower anyone with a Vision to assemble a "dream team" and build something significant, something with lasting benefits for many. Our diverse clientele ranges from small and midsize businesses to research organizations, not-for-profits, and even local and regional governments.
We’ve learned over the years, however, that trying to be all things to all people is not only impractical but nearly impossible.
That's why our newsletter speaks to those of you (our Ambitious Founders and CEOs) who are tackling the typical hurdles of turning an idea into a business, and then a business into a company, and then a company into something significant and enduring. You're driven by an unrelenting vision to change the world, and no one can stand in your way.
We sincerely hope this inaugural issue inspires some reminders of why you're in this infinite game in the first place — to live out your dreams, not someone else's. No matter what challenges or roadblocks may stand in the way, always remember… you are an Ambitious Founder!
Founders vs. Entrepreneurs
A Founder/CEO is usually the originator of a new business and is responsible for setting the Vision, securing the initial funding, and creating the core team. Entrepreneurs are a broader category, including Founders and those who innovate within existing organizations (intrapreneurs). There are similarities but also distinctions; essentially, Founders and Founder/CEOs embrace a wider spectrum of pioneering and risk-taking roles than entrepreneurs.
A Founder/CEO's Vision may not be perfect from the start, but they must be fairly confident before they get to work. Maintaining the "North Star" of this Vision (for me it's really a Northern Constellation composed of our Focus Filters) is key, allowing for adaptation in approach without losing sight of some core goals (what Jim Collins called a BHAG or what we refer to as our Compelling and Audacious Goals, or CAGs). Companies lacking an explicit, coherent, and resonant Vision, or that stray from their Vision, risk devolving their products and/or services into mere commodities, whereas those that adapt while staying true to their original aspiration continue to thrive.
When Founders build companies they love, the organizations are more likely to resonate with others. And this, in turn, transforms Ideal Stakeholders into loyal advocates and active contributors to their success. Echoing Steve Jobs's famous words, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."
As we shared in our welcome letter, being a Founder is hard, and being an Ambitious Founder is even harder. The quest involved in turning an idea into reality is a journey filled with many challenges, countless hours of hard work, deep introspection, and perhaps even moments of questioning one's own sanity. The struggle is real! But as shared initially, we've also developed a bit of wisdom about what it takes to succeed on this path, and that’s why we’re here.
In this issue, we've delved into some unique attributes that Founder/CEOs bring to the startup enterprise, setting them apart from entrepreneurs, and the resilience needed to uphold their Vision. Over the coming weeks, as we continue to release new issues of this newsletter, we aim to make a case for why the Founder/CEO's journey (and that of true leadership in general) goes beyond merely solving problems or building a business. It’s about creating an enduring legacy that motivates and inspires others to become the best versions of their better selves.
We look forward to embarking on this journey with you, and to learning and growing together as we unpack the powerful stories of transformation that emerge when visionary Founder/CEOs dare to act and follow their dreams.
Ninety, 1920 Prospector Avenue, Park City, Utah 84060, United States
