nwv brief #28: getting punched

dear founder, 

this week, i got hit, & hit again, & then hit again. not literally—but let’s just say I would have preferred it to be literally.

plans are clean. startups aren’t.

here’s what i’ve been sitting with:

• sometimes i wonder if sharing doubts publicly will make me uninvestable. will someone read this and think i’m not ceo material?

• i catch myself thinking, “maybe i’m just not trying hard enough.” other times, i’m sure i’m delusional for even attempting this.

• it’s wild how often founders either feel like imposters or get so in it they can’t see they’ve gone off course.

• founder facades are everywhere. and i’ve probably worn one too.

the truth? i don’t want to build something that looks good from the outside but costs me myself in the process.

this week reminded me: getting punched is part of it. sometimes it’s doubt. sometimes it's feedback. sometimes it's the weight of expectations and wondering if i’ll ever find the right people to help me carry it.

if that’s you too, just know—you’re not the only one.

so what now?

pause. reground. keep moving—just more honestly.

with purpose, vision, and appreciation,
Brooke