The Myth of the Foresighted Founder: How Social Media Distorts Startup Reality

Dev, a startup founder, initially gained popularity for his small, efficient team. The reality, however, was that he couldn't afford to hire more people. When mass layoffs hit, Dev reframed his constraints as a strategic 'lean' approach, becoming a prophet of his own past. This story highlights how founders often curate their narratives on social media, transforming reluctant choices into visionary decisions. The author argues for greater honesty, acknowledging that many successes aren't the result of foresight but creative responses to circumstances. The true value lies in sharing the messy reality of navigating constraints, not in crafting a perfect, hindsight-biased narrative.