I learned from painful experiences that having control over your company is vital, as it allows you to navigate through uncertainties and make necessary pivots.

I learned that controlling the narrative during the shutdown process gave me a sense of power, even in a difficult situation.

I learned the hard lesson that whoever pays you kind of owns you and determines how your product evolves, which led to a misalignment with my original mission of helping students find good jobs.

I learned that engaging with those who dislike you can reduce animosity; it's about fostering understanding rather than seeking approval.

I learned that I should hire people who are better than me in areas where I need help, rather than expecting them to figure things out for me.

A prominent VC advised me to be careful with my strong personality, which made me realize I have unapologetic confidence and I'm proud of who I am.

I learned that true leadership involves building camaraderie rather than just trying to outshine others.

If you don't know yourself, you can't control your emotions, leading to reactive behavior in life.

I've learned that as a leader, it's crucial to take responsibility for failures and to foster a culture where accountability is valued.