Twitter is the best place to learn new things on the Internet if you follow the right people.
Someone asked a question to Fred Wilson about his ability to change his mind. His response was supreme:
"I have strong opinions but I hold them weakly."
The best VCs I know see the world that way. One must flow and be like water, adapt to the data and circumstances.
Another new read I’m going through is Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene. I am a fanboy of his work having read every single book he has written twice. In this book, he talks about cognitive biases. That deep down, we all have egotistical and narcissistic views on things. We want to love and feel the love back.
I ponder on how the childhood of a VC affects his ability to make decisions and select founders to partner with. The best VCs are adapt fast. They listen to feedback and act when it's evident that it is the best thing they can do for themselves.
Having strong opinions is important. It will make people listen to you. Holding them weakly and adapting demonstrates character and humility.
Live a life in which you self-identify with high-quality decision-making. Not what feels right for your ego or the perception of others on how/what you do. Be okay with temporary pain.
At ONEVC, we must be comfortable with intellectual debate and independent thinking. That is the foundation on which we will build our success.
We must hold our strong opinions weakly.
All else is noise from our monkey mind.
If you can understand and have empathy with the other side, you will be able to grow, mature, and evolve, to ultimately build a true partnership.
Hold the elevator for someone, genuinely be happy for a friend you love, and even raise millions of dollars for your entrepreneurial quest. Express your joy.
Paulo is the CEO and Co-founder of Grupo Alura, the largest technology education platform in Brazil. Grupo Alura had over 500.000 students since its foundation.