As I listened to the start-up pitches one after another, the support and comradeship in the room was tangible. The setting was one of Singapore’s many innovation centers. I was here for the coffee (best in Singapore). As I listened to the pitches, one or two caught my ear. They were different in the best kind of ways.
Great ideas capture one’s mind for the following reasons.
First, we intuitively understand the pitch! As complicated as the technology might be behind the scenes, the simplicity of great ideas is overwhelming. While there were some ideas that I found myself tuning out early, the best caught my attention early and drew me in! It was as if the presenter understood me, empathized with my problems, and had a great idea for me. S/he wasn’t mandating I embrace it, just offering me the chance for something better.
Second, our freedom to choose is respected and understood as a starting point. In pitch the case for choosing to embrace and use the solution was articulated. Barriers and competitors were acknowledged without rancor or criticism. In the best cases, competitor strengths were candidly identified, alternatives described, and a better world proposed.
Third, everything was about ideas and execution. Positive steps were discussed and shared between others trying to carve out their space in the innovation world. I did not hear anyone putting another down.
As a mentor, I love listening to pitches in this type of environment. It was as if we were a tribe, everyone looking out for the other, helping where they could, always cheering each other on. The scheme reminded me of a psalm; “God loves all who hate evil, and those who love him he keeps safe, snatches them from the grip of the wicked.” (Psalm 97.10)
What our communities would be like if everything was a pitch session. Lest one forget, start-ups are a lot of work. They require endless optimism with an ability to see the mirror accurately. Everyone learns from the other. It not about putting others down; just lifting each other up.
