# Fast First Follower

*The first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader. - Derek Sivers*

By [moonrocksrodeo.eth](https://paragraph.com/@moonrocksrodeo.eth) · 2024-09-16

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The first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader. - Derek Sivers

I remember first seeing this [TED talk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxFt1BZiMTw) from the incredible [Derek Sivers](https://sive.rs/) in early 2010 during what I refer to as my first "Eat, Pray, Love" year. I had left my entertainment career behind to explore, de/re program, volunteer/serve, and work, for a year in Malawi and India.

[Grassroot Soccer](https://grassrootsoccer.org/overview/), [FHI360](https://www.fhi360.org/), [Manav Sadhna.](https://manavsadhna.org/)

I grew a beard, hugged a ton of people, and said "I love you man", a lot. By far one of the greatest/most challenging years of my life, that I was gifted from all of the amazing guides & teachers along the road.

I was struggling with the idea of being a leader in what I saw reflected in society:

\-A number 1

\-A CEO

\-A founder

\-An alpha

...and it wasn't until I saw this video that I was completely unlocked. Not only did it give me the permission and grace to follow, but it also created the person I am today for myself, my friends, my investments...put simply others.

I'm a **FAST FIRST FOLLOWER** and that is a form of leadership that I align with.

I've become a leader by embracing being a follower.

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*Originally published on [moonrocksrodeo.eth](https://paragraph.com/@moonrocksrodeo.eth/fast-first-follower)*