Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with uncertainty, high-stakes decisions, and countless “make or break” moments. For a founder, every choice—from product direction to hiring to fundraising—can shape the future of the company. In such moments, one question often arises: Should a founder rely on their instincts and intelligence, or should they follow their mentor’s advice without questioning it? The truth lies not in choosing one over the other, but in striking a balance that blends self-belief with external wisdom.
The Power of Instinct and Intelligence
Founders often start with a vision that only they can fully see. This vision is powered by their instincts, which are built upon lived experiences, unique perspectives, and creative insights. Instinct is not mere guesswork; it is the subconscious processing of knowledge and intuition that guides decision-making. Successful entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk often emphasized the role of gut feeling in innovation. After all, if founders only followed conventional wisdom, groundbreaking ideas would never see the light of day.
Intelligence also plays a key role. Founders are problem-solvers at heart, navigating ambiguous situations with reasoning, critical thinking, and an understanding of their market. Their intelligence equips them to analyze data, weigh options, and adapt strategies. In short, instinct and intelligence empower a founder to stay authentic and resilient, even when the odds are stacked against them.
The Value of Mentorship
On the other side, mentors bring something invaluable—experience. They’ve often walked the path before, made mistakes, and learned from failures. A good mentor can act as a compass, helping the founder avoid pitfalls that aren’t obvious to someone new to the entrepreneurial world. Their advice stems from real-world lessons, networks, and industry insights. Following their counsel can save a founder from unnecessary risks and accelerate growth.
But here’s the catch: mentors are not infallible. Their advice is shaped by their own experiences, biases, and the era they operated in. What worked for them may not always apply in a changing market or for a startup with a unique vision. If a founder blindly follows a mentor without questioning, they risk losing their originality and the very essence of their idea.
Finding the Middle Ground
So, what’s the ideal approach? It is not about choosing between instinct and mentorship—it’s about integrating both. A founder should listen to their mentor with an open mind, but not with blind obedience. They should filter advice through the lens of their own instincts, intelligence, and the specific context of their business.
The best founders ask questions, challenge assumptions, and adapt lessons to fit their unique journey. This doesn’t mean dismissing mentorship—it means using it as a tool, not a crutch. Likewise, instincts should be tested against data and constructive feedback to avoid reckless decisions.
Conclusion
A founder who relies only on instinct risks ignoring valuable wisdom. A founder who follows mentorship blindly risks losing their originality. The smartest path is to use instincts as the driving force, intelligence as the compass, and mentorship as the guide. In entrepreneurship, balance is not just a virtue—it’s a survival strategy.