Back in 2012, I was interviewed by a leading economic newspaper. While I don't remember the specifics of the conversation, one detail stood out: the title they chose was "No, I didn't read Steve Jobs' biography." This left me puzzled. Why, among all the topics we covered, did this particular detail warrant the headline?
The fascination with Steve Jobs and other influential figures has given rise to a cult of personality that celebrates individual genius above all else. While there's no denying that these personalities have huge potential, we must ask: are these 'self-made men' really as self-made as we believe?
I consider myself optimistic and perseverant—qualities that have certainly helped me in my journey. However, these traits alone are not the sole ingredients of success. I owe much of my achievements to an often-overlooked factor: the surrounding ecosystem.
Take Opinum, the company where I've spent considerable time and energy for the last 10 years. Would it be what it is today without:
- Risk-takers like investors and business angels believing in the mission
- Supportive incubators like WSL providing resources and mentorship
- Quality educational institutions that taught me software engineering and economics, while also nurturing a talent pool from which we could build our team
- Entrepreneurial initiatives like Betagroup, where I met my first customer—a customer later acquired by EDF, giving us an major reference in the sector
In today's climate, where the idea of the 'self-made man' is more popular than ever, I'm convince we're missing the bigger picture. By fixating on individual achievements, we fail to recognize the collective efforts that enable these feats. As a society, we need to shift our focus and give credit to the collaborative networks that make success possible.
The myth of the self-made man is a compelling narrative, but it's one that demands reconsideration. As we celebrate the achievements of individuals, let's also recognize the invaluable ecosystem that nurtures these so-called 'lone geniuses.' In the grand tapestry of success, every thread counts—not just the ones that are most visible.
I firmly believe that if you want to make a real impact, focus your energy on building strong, supportive ecosystems rather than glorifying lone individuals. And if you want to launch a new company, analyze first your surrounding ecosystem and choose a projects that could leverage this ecosystem.
I firmly believe that if you want to make a real impact, focus your energy on building strong, supportive ecosystems rather than glorifying lone individuals. And if you want to launch a new company, analyze first your surrounding ecosystem and choose a projects that could leverage this ecosystem.