When you’ve had hundreds of conversations advising tech companies over twenty years, you recognize patterns.

Almost everyone I’ve ever worked with has 1–3 competitors that they really want to be like.

But that obsession can become a problematic north star.

Meticulously copying someone else’s work will guarantee that you never surpass them.

The advice I give most often?

Lead, don’t follow. Forget what others are doing. Don’t think about what you “should” be doing. Take chances. Focus on things that inspire you. As legendary music producer Quincy Jones said, “Leave space for God to walk into the room.”

Get comfortable with the idea that others will soon start copying you.

Because when you lead? It will happen. Expect it.