CEO @ The Atlantic | Co-Founder, Keynote Speaker
This sentence, in David Brooks's story about professional late bloomers, surprised me. "A tech founder who is 50 is twice as likely to start a successful company as one who is 30."
Well, thank goodness 😂!! Seriously though, for women, being able to be entrepreneurial after their kids are grown is extremely important. Although, I have worked throughout their childhoods, there is no doubt that I could not have founded a company when they were young. But now, at 48, although I don't look as great in head shots, I do believe the wisdom I have gained raising three very different kids adds to my ability to understand our market in a very unique and powerful way. Thank you for posting this!
Nicholas Thompson As a ‘late bloomer’ founder - who had a career focused on business-building for years - I could try to list a ton of reasons why this might be true… For myself, it’s not necessarily any particular thing I learned that I’m now applying. It’s more that I’ve simply learned to better compartmentalize things and just keep getting up each morning. Whatever the reasons, glad to be on the side of statistics!
Wish this was also taught at the many of the “start up” conventions and universities.. a dose of common sense or - at least paring of different aged founders!
Darryl Wall
4w
Early bloomers are more prone to revel in their successes and the affirmation of others. Late bloomers revel in the act and are less drawn by the lure of affirmation.
It’s an interesting piece. I am not surprised by that stat though. A 50 year old has years of experience seeing what works, and what doesn’t, and that knowledge can prove extremely valuable in setting up a successful business. They also likely have a deep network for advice and talent to pull into the venture.
Ugh! Want to read this but have to pay to read it... some other time perhaps
Kalpana Iyer
3w
Good insight! I distinctly remember an article posted by Arthur brooks titled “Your peak is sooner than you realize” or something like that. Been waiting for a strong response to that which has arrived. I loved reading David Brooks book “How to know a person deeply”. One of your statements about Wisdom as a difficult intellectual trait to measure is spot on. Only a person with deep understanding of human can see beyond superficial traits.
Can be the best combo of insight and innovation (as well as the triumph of experience over exuberance)
GrowthJockey
3w
Insightful read, Nicholas Thompson! At GrowthJockey, we've seen firsthand how experience and maturity can significantly contribute to the success of tech ventures. It's a reminder that innovation and entrepreneurship know no age limits.
Vice President ~ Real Estate Advisor at TNM Realty
3wHow about some lists of “50 over 50” or “60 over 60” instead of the ever popular “30 under 30” Nicholas Thompson The Atlantic could lead the way