When it comes to tech, safety is about anti-virus, firewalls, backups, two-factor auth, etc.
Manufacturing: It’s about Kanban, over engineering processes, safety equipment, etc.
Healthcare: Deep cleaning equipment, measured dosage, tracking previous illnesses, etc.
Each industry has its own contours of “safety”.
Today, on a Kolhapur to Ratnagiri road trip with dad, I had to reiterate the importance of seat belts to our taxi driver. He’s in the “driving” industry and that’s his safety. If any of you’ve tried explaining to most Indian cabbies, you’ve probably got zero agreement on the importance of seat belts.
Given we are in the Maratha heartland, I tried a different method. Here’s my convo with him:
Me: What did Shivaji Maharaj have in his hands as he went into battle?
Driver: A sword
Me: And in his other hand?
Driver: Dhal (a Shield)
Me: Don’t you think Shivaji could have attacked better with a sword in each hand?
Driver: But the shield was for protection/safety
Me: So, when even an amazing warrior like Shivaji planned for his safety, who are you and I to ignore our own safety?
Outcome: The driver put on his seatbelt properly, without a word.
What does safety in an early stage startup look like?
It’s about Capital and Operational Efficiency. Maximising outcomes with limited resources.
It’s about solving for a specific pain point. Going wide and doing too many things is “unsafe”, actually.
It’s about getting cross functional people onboard.
It’s about getting to PMF urgently. Keep pivoting till you can.
It’s about knowing what BMF looks like on day 1. Even if getting there is a few quarters away.
Inherently, everyone understands safety, we just need to message it right.
Sometimes, founders need that friendly, emphatic advisor.
I had great advisors when I was younger. I now help out founders where I can.