Founders are often neglected and lionized.

The media build them up grandiosely and tear them down viciously.

We are quick to love them and even quicker to burn them.

I want to take the time to send some love to every founder out there.

Struggling, crying, fighting, hustling, sorting things out, getting things done and manifesting your dreams.

It is never easy.

So big props to all you founders out there.

21st Aug was World Entrepreneurs Day, and I got a pleasant surprise.

Aspire, sent me a personalized gift.

It was a toy figurine of… myself.

And it made me chuckle.

My team had a good laugh too.

But it was special for many reasons.

Its personalized — it has my face and company on it!

It makes a great anecdote to share with others in the future.

And now when I talk about it, Aspire gets a shoutout too on social media.

It’s worth reflecting on the essence of entrepreneurship.

Beyond the buzzwords and glamour, there’s a relentless spirit that drives founders to venture into the unknown, to brave challenges that would make most of us cower.

The journey of a founder is a test of endurance, a marathon laced with hurdles that demand resilience.

Some toil for years, their brilliance overshadowed by the weight of misunderstanding.

Others never bask in the spotlight they’ve ignited, their contributions buried beneath the noise.

And yet, some alter the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on our lives.

But let’s set the record straight — celebrating entrepreneurship isn’t just about lionizing the legends like Steve Jobs or lauding the visionaries like Sam Altman.

It’s about lifting the curtain on the backstage struggles, about shedding light on the unsung heroes who are crafting their narratives in the shadows.

It’s about applauding the newcomers who are striving to make their mark, the ones navigating the complexities and uncertainties of entrepreneurship.

These are the unsung champions who battle uphill, who grapple with self-doubt and rejection, yet persevere with unwavering determination.

It’s in their struggles, their setbacks, and their unwavering belief that we find the heart of entrepreneurship.

These are the individuals who swim against the currents, who reject the ordinary, and who see opportunity in adversity.

They remind us that the entrepreneurial spirit isn’t just about success; it’s about resilience, the willingness to embrace failure, and the audacity to chase dreams.

In the hustle and bustle of our digital age, it’s easy to lose sight of the human stories that underpin every innovation, every startup, and every disruptor.

It’s about taking a moment to empathize with their journey, to appreciate the sleepless nights, the daunting risks, and the unparalleled dedication.

As someone who walks this path, who’s been through the trenches and tasted both triumph and tribulation, I hold the torch with pride.

It’s why, even after more than a decade, I continue to organize Startup Weekend Singapore.

Because every year, I witness the fire in the eyes of aspiring founders — individuals who dare to dream big, who dare to challenge norms, and who dare to change the world.

To all the founders out there, from the struggling rookies to the seasoned veterans, Happy World Entrepreneurs Day.

At StartupX and Startup Weekend, we stand united in recognizing your tenacity, your passion, your drive, and yes, even your quirky and relentless enthusiasm.

Your journey is a testament to the power of dreams, and for that, we salute you.

So do me a favor.

Call up a friend of yours that is a founder and have a chat.

Hug them if you can.

They are human too.

-

Is the world better with founders?

-

#WorldEntrepreneursDay #Founders #Entrepreneurship #DreamBig #Innovation #StartupLife #StartupX #StartupWeekend #HumanStories #Resilience #aspire

Founders are often neglected and lionized.

The media build them up grandiosely and tear them down viciously.

We are quick to love them and even quicker to burn them.

I want to take the time to send some love to every founder out there.

Struggling, crying, fighting, hustling, sorting things out, getting things done and manifesting your dreams.

It is never easy.

So big props to all you founders out there.

21st Aug was World Entrepreneurs Day, and I got a pleasant surprise.

Aspire, sent me a personalized gift.

It was a toy figurine of… myself.

And it made me chuckle.

My team had a good laugh too.

But it was special for many reasons.

Its personalized — it has my face and company on it!

It makes a great anecdote to share with others in the future.

And now when I talk about it, Aspire gets a shoutout too on social media.

It’s worth reflecting on the essence of entrepreneurship.

Beyond the buzzwords and glamour, there’s a relentless spirit that drives founders to venture into the unknown, to brave challenges that would make most of us cower.

The journey of a founder is a test of endurance, a marathon laced with hurdles that demand resilience.

Some toil for years, their brilliance overshadowed by the weight of misunderstanding.

Others never bask in the spotlight they’ve ignited, their contributions buried beneath the noise.

And yet, some alter the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on our lives.

But let’s set the record straight — celebrating entrepreneurship isn’t just about lionizing the legends like Steve Jobs or lauding the visionaries like Sam Altman.

It’s about lifting the curtain on the backstage struggles, about shedding light on the unsung heroes who are crafting their narratives in the shadows.

It’s about applauding the newcomers who are striving to make their mark, the ones navigating the complexities and uncertainties of entrepreneurship.

These are the unsung champions who battle uphill, who grapple with self-doubt and rejection, yet persevere with unwavering determination.

It’s in their struggles, their setbacks, and their unwavering belief that we find the heart of entrepreneurship.

These are the individuals who swim against the currents, who reject the ordinary, and who see opportunity in adversity.

They remind us that the entrepreneurial spirit isn’t just about success; it’s about resilience, the willingness to embrace failure, and the audacity to chase dreams.

In the hustle and bustle of our digital age, it’s easy to lose sight of the human stories that underpin every innovation, every startup, and every disruptor.

It’s about taking a moment to empathize with their journey, to appreciate the sleepless nights, the daunting risks, and the unparalleled dedication.

As someone who walks this path, who’s been through the trenches and tasted both triumph and tribulation, I hold the torch with pride.

It’s why, even after more than a decade, I continue to organize Startup Weekend Singapore.

Because every year, I witness the fire in the eyes of aspiring founders — individuals who dare to dream big, who dare to challenge norms, and who dare to change the world.

To all the founders out there, from the struggling rookies to the seasoned veterans, Happy World Entrepreneurs Day.

At StartupX and Startup Weekend, we stand united in recognizing your tenacity, your passion, your drive, and yes, even your quirky and relentless enthusiasm.

Your journey is a testament to the power of dreams, and for that, we salute you.

So do me a favor.

Call up a friend of yours that is a founder and have a chat.

Hug them if you can.

They are human too.

-

Is the world better with founders?

-

#WorldEntrepreneursDay #Founders #Entrepreneurship #DreamBig #Innovation #StartupLife #StartupX #StartupWeekend #HumanStories #Resilience #aspire