To identify your golden shadow, look at who you idolize or envy. The qualities you admire in others may reflect your own unrealized strengths waiting to be developed.

There's a positive side to the shadow, referred to as the 'golden shadow,' which includes the hidden positive qualities and talents that we haven't owned or expressed yet.

I learned about the golden shadow the hard way during the rise and fall of my first startup, Posterous, where my hidden traits both dark and golden influenced the company's fate.

Ignoring your golden shadow can lead to frustration or impostor syndrome, causing you to doubt your abilities and defer visionary thinking to others.

When considering what makes a great founder, it's essential to reflect on your own skills and readiness for the role.

The inner work isn't just indulgence; it's a strategic investment in the most critical asset your startup has: you.

Investors invest in you as a founder, so ask yourself if you are formidable enough to turn an idea into a successful reality.

It's critical to find great founders; if they are better than you, they will have better insights and know more, allowing you to trust their vision.

Imagine leading your startup with the qualities you admire in others; that could unlock new creativity and foster a better culture.