“If you bring that scrappy fierceness with you, it works until you get big, when really pushing all the way really feels uncomfortable... When you're the little guy, that's lauded, that's heroic”
— Travis Kalanick
Simplified Meaning:
When you're starting out on something new or difficult, being determined and fighting hard is seen as brave and inspiring. People cheer for the underdog who battles through tough situations with everything they've got. For example, a small business owner working long hours, taking risks, and doing whatever it takes to succeed is often admired. However, once you achieve success and become well-established or powerful, using that same aggressive approach can seem excessive and uncomfortable. At that stage, being overly fierce and relentless may not be necessary or appropriate. Instead, understanding when to step back, adapt your strategy, and show restraint becomes important. Applying this wisdom means recognizing the right way to act at different stages of your journey, knowing when to be fierce and when to be composed.
