Entrepreneurs: Alex Kostyrya
by Miki SaxonLast week I shared Steve Blank’s definition of an entrepreneur and asked if it fit you.
It fits Alex Kostyrya, a Russian entrepreneur I e-met and have done work for on and off since 2010.
He’s a great guy and I Skyped him to see what’s been happening, since it’s been awhile, and wish him a great holiday week. (For those who don’t know, all Russian business is closed the first week in January—and I do mean all.)
Alex responded that he planned to relax the whole week.
I said that was good, better if he unwired, and that he would be far more productive when he came back.
I also said that he should be sure his team does the same and he said he would.
Many founders (and other managers) don’t realize that the team is their responsibility and making sure they take down time is important—they will be far more productive and creative if they get away completely (no texts, emails, calls, etc.).
It’s easy to lose site of the human side and needs in the heat of a startup, but when you get right down to it your people are your only real assets.
Alex agreed.
“The people are all I have now. Technologies have changed, the original project is gone, but our core team is the same as 3 years ago. I’m proud because whole last year we all work for nothing, without any financing. Now we have new people on the team and we plan to build a great company with them.”
Sometimes founders need to be tough and make sure their people really do take the time off and that doesn’t mean taking the work home or not take any work home.
It’s necessary because people are like batteries; they need to recharge and their families, friends and the physical world around them is their best generator.
Image credit: Alex Kostyrya
