Our First Month Building a Startup: What Shocked, Blocked, and Unlocked Us
The founder's journey is often painted as a highlight reel of triumphant pivots and successful funding rounds. But the day-to-day reality is a messy, human mix of exhilarating freedom, paralyzing self-doubt, and the quiet, constant work of building something from nothing.
To honor that reality, we're building Solid Ground AI in public. And a core part of that commitment is sharing the unfiltered truth of our experience.
That’s why we’re starting "Shocked, Blocked, Unlocked"—a candid conversation format where we reflect on one thing that surprised us, one thing that stopped us in our tracks, and one thing that completely changed our perspective each week. In this first session, we get honest about the emotional and tactical rollercoaster of our first month.
Watch Our Full Conversation
Our First 'Shocked, Blocked, Unlocked' Debrief
For those who want the key insights, here’s a breakdown of our biggest lessons from the week:
SHOCKED: The Liberating Break from Corporate Culture
The biggest surprise for both of us was the immediate sense of liberation. In the corporate world, progress is often tied to process, meetings, and pleasing a management chain. As founders, we've been shocked by the freedom to simply do the work—wherever and however it needs to get done. The speed at which a two-person team can make a decision and change direction is not just refreshing; it’s a superpower.
BLOCKED: The Battle is Almost Always Internal
Our biggest hurdles weren't external. They were the internal battles of self-doubt and fear. For one of us, it was the pressure of a self-imposed deadline and the feeling of being "behind." For the other, it was the deep-seated anxiety of moving out of "stealth mode" and sharing our idea with the world for the first time, opening ourselves up to feedback. These moments are a powerful reminder that the founder's primary job is often managing their own psychology.
UNLOCKED: Clarity Comes from Externalization and Trust
The biggest breakthroughs came when we moved ideas from inside our heads out into the world. Creating a pitch deck, even just for ourselves, forced a new level of clarity and revealed where we needed to do more research. Similarly, sharing our mission with trusted friends and family provided the validation needed to conquer self-doubt. The ultimate unlock? The deep trust between us as co-founders, which allows for the vulnerability and honesty required to navigate every high and low.
The Real Work Is Building on Solid Ground
This conversation is more than just a weekly check-in; it's the heart of our mission. Building a successful startup isn't just about having a great idea. It's about building a foundation of trust, navigating ambiguity with confidence, and knowing you have a guide for the journey ahead.
This is the kind of transparent conversation we're committed to having every step of the way.
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