When I started my podcast at just 25 years old, I had no guarantee of success. What I did have was a vision and people willing to take a chance on me. Looking back, I realize that the foundation of our growth wasn’t just about having a good idea—it was about creating a culture where everyone felt invested in our collective journey.
The vision was simple yet powerful: we’re going to grow together or fail together. This wasn’t just a catchy phrase; it became our operating principle. I didn’t want to build something where I succeeded while others watched from the sidelines. I wanted to create an environment where everyone felt ownership of both our victories and our setbacks.
The Power of Collective Ownership
Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of thinking success is a solo journey. They believe their vision alone will carry the company forward. I’ve learned that true growth happens when you invite others to share in that vision and make it their own.
When I look around at the people who took those early bets on me—many of whom are still with me today—I’m reminded that entrepreneurship isn’t about individual genius but collective belief. These weren’t just employees; they were believers who saw what we could build together before it existed.
We’re gonna do this together. And whatever happens, we’re either gonna grow together as a company or we’re gonna fail together.
This mentality creates a different kind of commitment. When people know they’re truly part of something—not just working for someone but with someone—they bring their full selves to the table. They problem-solve differently. They take initiative. They care about outcomes in a way that transcends typical employment relationships.
Culture as the Ultimate Competitive Advantage
If I had to distill what makes the difference between companies that thrive and those that merely survive, it comes down to two things:
- The strength of the team you build around you
- The culture that binds that team together
Culture isn’t about ping pong tables or free lunches. It’s about creating an environment where people understand what we’re building and why it matters. It’s about establishing shared values that guide decisions when I’m not in the room.
Getting people to buy into your vision requires more than persuasive words. It requires:
- Demonstrating genuine belief in your own vision
- Creating space for others to contribute meaningfully to that vision
- Celebrating collective wins and learning from collective failures
- Maintaining consistency between what you say and what you do
The “we’re in this together” mentality has to be authentic. People can sense when you’re saying the words but planning your own separate path to success.
From Vision to Reality
My podcast grew because we had a shared commitment to its success. When challenges arose—as they inevitably do in any venture—we faced them as a unified team rather than fragmented individuals. This approach created resilience that carried us through difficult periods.
I’ve seen too many promising startups implode because the founder couldn’t build a culture that extended beyond their own personality. The most brilliant idea in the world will fail without the right people committed to bringing it to life.
As I continue to build new ventures, this lesson remains central to my approach. Whether it’s MediaKits or Listener.com, I start with culture and team alignment before anything else. Technology can be built, markets can be entered, but the right team culture is irreplaceable.
If you’re starting something new, remember that your most important job isn’t developing the product or service—it’s developing the environment where great work can happen. Create a place where people feel they’re truly building something together, and you’ll have already overcome one of the biggest hurdles to success.
The bet those early team members placed on me paid off not because I was exceptional, but because we were exceptional together. That’s the secret I carry forward into every new venture: success is always, always a team sport.
