That was an overly simplistic and silly take. But there is a kernel of truth to it that has always bothered me a little. I've started four startups with two ex

That was an overly simplistic and silly take. But there is a kernel of truth to it that has always bothered me a little. I've started four startups with two exists and two failures. In every cases there were deals that, if they had come through, would have have pushed the startups to huge success. There were were also deals that, if they had not happened, would have killed that startup. If you are skilled, you prepare. You plan contingencies. You are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes, but after that, a lot is outside of your control and comes down to luck. The line between success and failure is often razor thin, but the world does not see it that way. If you are an inch over the line you are a success; a role model. You are expected to share the secret to your success. If you are an inch behind the line, well maybe you had better go work for someone else and let the successful people talk. Many successful founders give terrible advice, and many failed founders have fantastic insights.