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YC

Y Combinator Cast

02/03/22

@ Y Combinator

Assuming that expertise equals optimism can be misleading; often, those with more knowledge about a field may have a more cautious outlook on new ventures.

Video

YC

How To Change The World? Get The Small Things Right – Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel

@ Y Combinator

How To Change The World? Get The Small Things Right – Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel

02/03/22

Related Takeaways

YC

Y Combinator Cast

02/03/22

@ Y Combinator

Investors who know less about your space can sometimes be more optimistic than those with more experience, as they may see the problem as simpler than it is.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

04/18/24

@ Y Combinator

It's common for founders with expertise to feel fearful and second-guess their ideas, while those without expertise may be overly confident in their assumptions.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

06/21/24

@ Y Combinator

It's crucial for founders to balance optimism with realism, especially in hype industries, to ensure their business can withstand various economic climates.

CW

Chris Williamson Cast

04/01/25

@ Chris Williamson

It's important to maintain a general optimism about the future while being skeptical of specific opportunities, as this balance can help navigate the uncertainties of life.

MS

Michael Seibel

09/10/22

@ Y Combinator

When a leader is too optimistic, their plans may seem unrealistic, leading employees to question the leader's credibility and the company's stability.

TC

Theodoric Chew

04/21/25

@ EO

Having a mix of ambition and naivety can empower entrepreneurs to take bold steps that they might not otherwise consider.

PT

Peter Thiel

04/17/25

@ Joe Lonsdale

Both extreme optimism and extreme pessimism converge on laziness, leading to inaction. Moderate optimism is the correct approach to take.

MS

Michael Seibel

09/10/22

@ Y Combinator

Talking to an overly optimistic founder can initially be exciting, but as the conversation continues, you may become confused about their lack of tangible progress or insights.

MS

Michael Seibel

09/10/22

@ Y Combinator

You need to be both optimistic and pessimistic about your startup; being too far on either extreme will lead to failure.