10 lessons from 10 years of Tech in Asia

Tech in Asia is officially 10 years old.¹

I asked my colleagues what they would like me to share today, and they voted for what I’ve learned in the last decade.

There are so many lessons I’ve picked up. Some are obvious and frequently talked about, such as making something people want, focusing on your mission, and being data-driven. Some aren’t as apparent or discussed as often. I wrote them down in this post and I hope you’ll find them useful.²

1. Be radically transparent

Good times or bad times, stay as transparent as possible. At Tech in Asia, we share our runway every month. If it’s three months, then so be it. Our team members also get a copy of the monthly report that we share with our shareholders. The team deserves to know so they can plan their next move. If they bail at crunch times, that’s all right; everyone has their own battles to fight.

2. Work-life balance shouldn’t be taboo

The tech community likes to advocate extreme work hours. I believe in working hard, but not necessarily long hours – it’s just not productive. Go for quality hours: Rather than insisting, “I need to work 12 hours,” think of it as, “I will finish my work in 8 hours.” If your body isn’t reacting well, stop. Life isn’t just about work. Take some time off, recharge, and live in the present. You’ll find yourself doing less but getting more.

3. Don’t compare

Founders like to idolize and compare themselves against others or god-like founders. I used to do that but not anymore, and it is liberating. There’s always someone better, stronger, faster, and richer than you, so why bother? You’re unique. Just strive to be a better version of yourself.

4. Be kind

Success breeds confidence and sometimes arrogance. Remember that we were all once a helpless baby, a rebellious student, a clumsy noob, and/or a total wannabe. It pays to be kind.³

5. Run your company like a sports team, not a family

In a soccer team, if the striker isn’t scoring goals, the coach is expected to make changes to avoid letting the entire team down. Keep in mind that your company is not a family: Look at performance and lead via meritocracy.

6. Embrace the bad times

Every company will go through ups and downs. While upsurges are easy, you need down times so you can rise up. Think of it as taking test or medicine: It’s important and not necessarily unpleasant (yes, you read that right). It’s all in your mindset. If you survive, you improve. If you don’t, you didn’t lose; instead, you earned yourself an adventure with no regrets.

7. You can’t please everyone

I learned this the hard way, and this is especially true in our field. We stay as neutral as possible and let our work do the talking. We avoid getting too emotional or judgemental about the stories that come our way. Still, haters gonna hate – and that’s life. The faster you accept it, the more freedom and peace you can enjoy.

8. Take advice with a grain of salt

The smartest aren’t always right, and the “silliest idea” may work.

A lot of founders adore venture capitalists and take their words way too seriously. Some VCs don’t have experience as a founder or product builder, but it doesn’t mean they’re incapable. It just means that their operation-related suggestions need to be taken with a grain of salt. Consider this: As an operator, you’re the one who has spent the most time thinking about the problems you’re trying to solve.

VCs are great at spotting trends and giving fundraising guidance, so use their advice wisely.

9. It’s you, not them

10. Understand the hidden costs