Solo

“So you’ve gone from a social job to one where you’re working by yourself?”

I nod.

“That must be quite an adjustment and leave you feeling a bit vulnerable.”

I’ve just shared a recent exchange in which I told someone about my project, and how their response is still echoing in my head. Don’t tell me you’re spending all your time on that.

That response came at a moment when I was otherwise in flow. I’ve developed much stronger intuitions about how to maximize performance out of the AI systems I’ve been working with. Many of the key technical issues are being addressed. I have a plan and am executing methodically. And I am able to test my system out in the wild, on my phone.

“Yes, it did leave me feeling more vulnerable.”

“It also sounds like you’ve been getting a lot more enjoyment out of the process, and this started you on a track to thinking about the product.”

That’s a fair point. This took me out of a process that I was enjoying, and knocked me out of equilibrium into thinking about the product.

“Yeah, and maybe I should be thinking about that product, but probably with one of my business advisors.”

“Yeah, you’re working solo, but when you make yourself vulnerable, you want it to be with people you trust. Have you considered a founders cohort?”

I shake my head. I’d seen someone mention it but hadn’t pursued it.

“Maybe you should consider it. You’ll probably get better advice than the Walgreens person administering your vaccine.”

I laugh and nod.