Judgment: The Core of Every Big Win (Image Credits: Unsplash)
In a lively Harvard lecture hall buzzing with ambitious minds, one professor cuts through the noise to reveal what truly drives entrepreneurial success.
Judgment: The Core of Every Big Win
Imagine facing a tough call in your startup – hire now or wait? Reza Satchu, a seasoned Harvard Business School lecturer, insists judgment is the skill that tips the scales. It’s not about memorizing business books or chasing trends. Instead, it’s honing that gut instinct through real decisions.
Satchu, who has built and sold companies worth billions, teaches this in his popular courses like The Founder Mindset. He argues that in an AI-driven world, where rote tasks fade away, sharp judgment becomes irreplaceable. Students learn by dissecting case studies, practicing choices that mimic the chaos of launching a venture.
This approach flips the script on passive learning. Entrepreneurs thrive when they actively weigh risks, not just observe them.
Why Passion Alone Won’t Cut It
Many chase dreams with fire in their hearts, yet most startups fizzle out. Satchu points out that passion is great fuel, but without judgment, it leads to dead ends. He draws from his own path, co-founding firms like SupplierMarket without obsessing over the details from day one.
The real edge comes from assessing opportunities coolly. Think of it like a poker game: you need to read the table, not just love the cards. Satchu’s classes push students to simulate these moments, building confidence in uncertain spots.
Still, he warns against over-relying on hype. True progress happens when you pair enthusiasm with calculated moves.
Failure Isn’t the Enemy – It’s Your Best Coach
Here’s a bold truth from Satchu: most entrepreneurs quit too soon, mistaking setbacks for defeat. He shares stories from his ventures, where flops taught more than any win. In his Founder Launch course, co-created with colleague Shai Bernstein, students tackle failures head-on through hands-on projects.
Embracing stumbles builds resilience. Satchu likens it to training muscles – each miss strengthens your decision-making. He encourages viewing errors as data points, not disasters.
This mindset shift is crucial. It turns what scares people away into the very tool for growth.
Commit Fully or Don’t Bother
Half-hearted efforts rarely spark breakthroughs. Satchu stresses total immersion as a non-negotiable for founders. From his time at Alignvest Management to mentoring at NEXT Canada, he’s seen how all-in attitudes accelerate results.
In the classroom, he challenges students to treat ideas like live businesses, diving deep without safety nets. This full commitment sharpens judgment by forcing real stakes.
Yet, it’s not reckless. Satchu teaches balancing boldness with smart boundaries, ensuring energy flows where it counts most.
How Harvard Makes Entrepreneurship Teachable
Can you really learn to be a founder? Satchu says yes, and his track record proves it. Over two decades, he’s shaped programs at Harvard, the University of Toronto, and beyond, turning theory into actionable know-how.
His method blends cases, simulations, and even scholarships he funds himself for top performers. It’s experiential, not lecture-heavy. Students emerge ready to launch, with judgment as their North Star.
This structured path demystifies the startup world. Anyone willing to practice can build the skills needed to succeed.
Everyday Ways to Sharpen Your Edge
Ready to level up? Satchu offers simple steps anyone can take. Start by analyzing daily decisions, asking what you’d do differently next time.
Seek out challenges that stretch you, like side projects or volunteering for tough tasks at work. Surround yourself with sharp minds for feedback loops.
- Journal your choices and outcomes weekly.
- Read founder stories, but focus on their tough calls.
- Practice small risks to build tolerance for bigger ones.
- Discuss dilemmas with mentors or peers.
- Reflect on failures without self-judgment.
These habits compound over time, forging the judgment that fuels lasting ventures.
In the end, Satchu’s message boils down to this: entrepreneurship isn’t a gift – it’s a skill you cultivate, starting with judgment. What small decision will you rethink today to kickstart your founder journey? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Key Takeaways
- Judgment trumps passion; practice it through real-world simulations.
- Embrace failure as feedback to refine your instincts.
- Commit fully and build habits like reflection to grow stronger.
