I remember the exact moment I made the decision to become an entrepreneur. I was 18, working in the US on a Christmas
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I remember the exact moment I made the decision to become an entrepreneur. I was 18, working in the US on a Christmas
A rebel entrepreneur understands their own worth. They take control of their own destiny. If they have to temporarily work for a boss, they are aware that
Koko the gorilla, was just a year old when her instructor taught her American Sign Language. Soon, Koko had a vocabulary of over
A rebel entrepreneur stands by their integrity and tells the truth. Only stupid people lie. They do so because they fear the consequences of telling the
The average human attention span is short, and, according to a 2015 survey by Microsoft, it’s only getting shorter. In the study, 2,000
Rebel entrepreneurs craft their product with simplicity in mind, and this makes the act of pitching easier. They develop their product knowing that if they
After years of grafting and sleepless nights, I finally felt ready to launch our product. We were given a great opportunity to launch
A loveable product can be judged not by what it is, but by what it is not. They lack friction points - or anything that prompts frustration or confusion.
Reid Hoffman – the founder of LinkedIn – once said: “Starting a company is like jumping off a cliff and trying to assemble
Rebel entrepreneurs realize that they thrive in the face of fear and the unknown. It's only when they take that jump, that they understand what they are
There was once a farmer, whose stallion was his most prized possession. He took excellent care of the animal, until one day, the
If you keep an open mind it will not only strengthen the judgements you make in business, but will make you happier as well. Empathy is vital, not just...
The world appears to be so divided. Leaders and entrepreneurs challenge their own perspectives, in business and life by looking at opposing points of view.
It only takes one person to make or break a brand. Rebel entrepreneurs understand this. They never underestimate the impact a single person can have.
Rebel entrepreneurs stand by their integrity. They are unafraid to question conventional wisdom. Crucially, they ask the question “Is there a better
To survive, businesses have to change their plans all the time. In business, adaptability is crucial. If you don't adapt you don't survive.
Anxiety can follow an entrepreneur at every stage in business. Though they can take practical steps to avoid it, anxiety can rear its head in spite
Psychologists link uncertainty to anxiety. But focusing your attention on the things within your control can be beneficial for your mental health.
If you can offer a solution or a prescription to your customers' problem, the sale will close itself. Selling is not jamming your foot in someone’s door.
The phone line went dead. Another no. I had just arrived in the US and the only job I could get was in
Rebel entrepreneurs live and work by a very straight-forward but effective philosophy: pick one thing and do it well. Rebel entrepreneurs work to make their
In New York City, there is no shortage of restaurants that serve just one meal. From mac and cheese places to peanut butter
If you know at least parts of your speech off by heart, especially the beginning, then even if you are nervous, you won't have trouble with public speaking
Over 500 faces were staring up at me, waiting for me to say something. Anything. But I couldn’t even open my mouth. I
A rebel entrepreneur can make their staff feel like they are self-employed but still a vital part of the organisation. Then, together, they can work towards
A staggering majority of people are unhappy at work. It’s a world-wide epidemic. In the United States, 70% of people hate their jobs.
“Your salary is the bribe they give you to forget your dreams.” – Chrisjan Peters As you read this, you might be stuck
Rebel entrepreneurs are able to take that plunge and do it for freedom. They work when they want, where and how they want. They don't do it for money.
Rebel entrepreneurs realize that they thrive in the face of fear and the unknown. It's only when they take that jump, that they understand what they are
Reid Hoffman – the founder of LinkedIn – once said: “Starting a company is like jumping off a cliff and trying to assemble
Rebel entrepreneurs know that it all starts with desire! Our brains have been biologically optimised to help us achieve our goals, especially if they are
Desire plays a huge role in the realisation of a rebel entrepreneur’s path. That primal, all encompassing urge to succeed feeds our initial
I remember the exact moment I made the decision to become an entrepreneur. I was 18, working in the US on a Christmas
A rebel entrepreneur understands their own worth. They take control of their own destiny. If they have to temporarily work for a boss, they are aware that
I spent most of my adolescence in detention. From a young age – even though I was considered ‘clever’ – I was constantly
Money was my motivation in my early days as an entrepreneur. In hindsight, this was the single biggest mistake I made in my
As a rebel entrepreneur, more often than not, the only direction for you to move in is against the tide of the crowd. Rebel entrepreneurs are different
When I first told people about my vision for 3D4Medical, they laughed at me. I was a broke outsider who disliked authority and
When 3D4Medical started off, I was operating entirely on a shoestring. We had just one employee – me – who worked from the
Innovation without money is possible, in fact, there’s never been a better time to start a business on a budget. Leaving aside the numerous app stores
A rebel entrepreneur isn't afraid. If the promise of reward is not enough to motivate you into taking that plunge, then try changing your motivation to fear
In 2015, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis wanted to determine which is a more effective motivator – the carrot (the promise
A loveable product can be judged not by what it is, but by what it is not. They lack friction points - or anything that prompts frustration or confusion.
After years of grafting and sleepless nights, I finally felt ready to launch our product. We were given a great opportunity to launch
Before it was called Instagram, it was called Burbn. With this app, users could share photos, connect with friends, earn points and check-in
When you develop a product or service, endeavour to make it both easy to use and explain. Make it simple. If you are unable to capitulate what your product
When Star Trek first debuted, it gained a cult-following who were charmed by the innovative technology that took centre stage. Many Trekkies maintain
For a rebel entrepreneur, imagination is the key, a vital source of innovation and, ultimately, proof that even the most outlandish ideas can become reality
In 2007, two broke roommates, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia realised that if they couldn’t raise enough money for rent on their San
A rebel entrepreneur is very aware of the right timing for trends happening in society, and if applicable, launches their product or service when they can
Which makes for a better business – selling a product or a service? I happen to have experience in both. I was the
Each project is completed you must begin again. There are less limitations in the sale of products. Products have the potential to earn you money while
The average human attention span is short, and, according to a 2015 survey by Microsoft, it’s only getting shorter. In the study, 2,000
Rebel entrepreneurs craft their product with simplicity in mind, and this makes the act of pitching easier. They develop their product knowing that if they
I was eating a meal recently and noticed tables of people celebrating. When the waiter brought out a cake with burning sparklers to
In New York City, there is no shortage of restaurants that serve just one meal. From mac and cheese places to peanut butter
Rebel entrepreneurs live and work by a very straight-forward but effective philosophy: pick one thing and do it well. Rebel entrepreneurs work to make their
Rebel entrepreneurs must show investors that they have the tenacity to get through uncertain financial periods. They are patient.
When Colonel Sanders franchised his signature fried chicken recipe, he was in his sixties. After years of selling from his roadside restaurant in
A friend of mine was the ultimate rebel entrepreneur. On a shoestring he managed to build a multimillion dollar business in just a
Never sell out. I’ve seen first hand how so many otherwise brilliant entrepreneurs sell majority shares to VCs, or investors, only to become the employee
When I finally got 3D4Medical off the ground, external investors and venture capitalists started showing interest. They’d get in touch with generous offers,
A rebel entrepreneur understands that in order to make money they have to invest. They don’t let their cash stagnate. Their goal is not to work for money
In Latin, the word currency means ‘to flow’. Picture a town where everybody is in debt. Each town-person owes money to someone else,
In 1952, a group of scientists conducted a behavioral study on the monkeys living on the Japanese island of Kōjima. Over the course
When you are struck with a good idea - whether it’s a new innovation or an idea for a business - remember somewhere in the world, someone else is having
Great businesses sell products that solve their customers’ pain. The reasoning behind this model for success is psychological. Humans, on a rudimentary
In 1870, Josephine Cochran enjoyed a busy social life, and would host dinner parties for her friends from her home in Illinois. One
When realtors host open viewings they invite potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the house. They get rid of clutter, brew a
Rebel entrepreneurs understand a fundamental truth about sales - the product itself doesn’t seal the deal but the experience that goes with the product does
The phone line went dead. Another no. I had just arrived in the US and the only job I could get was in
If you can offer a solution or a prescription to your customers' problem, the sale will close itself. Selling is not jamming your foot in someone’s door.
With feedback, rebel entrepreneurs can remove the friction points and then reassess. This process is known as the “perfection loop”. It’s ongoing, but with
In 2008, Marissa Mayer wanted to determine how colour influenced users’ engagement with Google Ads. Mayer performed extensive colour testing for Google Ads
In 1956, researchers at Swathorne College set up a simple study to determine the extent to which humans are influenced by others. In
A rebel entrepreneur, on the other hand, will take opinions into consideration, but they will not override their own self belief. They are aware of the
Investment expert Alicia Syrett maintains that the average investor says no 98-99% of the time, although this figure fluctuates depending on the type
When my business partner Niall Johnston and I got up and running, we visited many investors, to demonstrate the virtues of our 3D
Rebel entrepreneurs must prove their viability if they want to maintain their potential investors’ interest, and secure the funding. In 1997 I returned from
When it comes to fundraising it is critical to not only communicate your adaptability and the viability of your product, but to prove
When Facebook secured funding in 2004, they didn’t have a formal pitch. Instead, they had a media pack which demonstrated the platform’s reach
Investors say no to entrepreneurs for a variety of reasons, and more often than not it’s simply a case of the fit not
Failure, in the past, was seen as grounds for punishment, especially for entrepreneurs. Societies from Ancient Greece and pre-modern Italy would publicly humiliate
Failure is crucial to the development of an entrepreneur’s business. It is not an indication of incompetence, but a powerful reminder of our growth, our
Artificial intelligence is transforming the world we live in every day whether you are aware of it or not. As new strides in
When web browsers were launched in the 90’s, sceptics feared that the advancements would result in mass unemployment as the internet made a
The AI revolution will be no different. AI will see people leave monotonous menial jobs and start working in more creative positions. We probably cannot
The average American makes up to 70 choices per day. Choice is a fundamental part of life. While freedom is all about having
In 2003, researchers Dholakia and Simonson used eBay to see how customers really respond to discounts. They sold the same album – Pink
Amazon have built their brand on the understanding that modern consumers are willing to pay to get what they want as fast as
To survive, businesses have to change their plans all the time. In business, adaptability is crucial. If you don't adapt you don't survive.
It only takes one person to make or break a brand. Rebel entrepreneurs understand this. They never underestimate the impact a single person can have.
Dr Seuss’ children’s book Green Eggs and Ham was brought to life following a bet between Seuss and his publisher Bennett Cerf. After
“A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot.” – Dr Joe Vitale. If your goal is too easy, it
Rebel entrepreneurs write down the big goal. They ask themselves continuously if what they’re doing now is bringing them closer to that single, big goal
Michelangelo once said: “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but
Positive visualisation of a goal has a profound effect on the human body. A ‘goal’ here can also mean any important event, including an upcoming speech
In 1967, Australian psychologist Alan Richardson visited a team of college basketball players. Richardson watched the players taking free shoots at the hoop
When it comes to New Year’s Resolutions, only 72% of people continue to honour them after the first week. Six months in, that
In 1990, Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler set out to determine how our sense of possession is ingrained into our identity. The researchers
Questions are more important than solutions, because as W. Clement Stone explained, they take us out of victim-mode. Writing out a list of positive
What is thinking? The practice of thinking is just asking and answering questions – that’s where our thoughts come from. If you are
In a 2002 study, 180 people underwent three treatment routes for their arthritis. In one group, surgeons removed the patients’ loose knee cartilage.
When a belief becomes ingrained in your subconscious it has the same effect as a placebo, and you can then harness its power. It becomes a ‘knowing’ that
When George Nissen came up with the idea for the trampoline, he was 16 years-old. Nissen was watching the acrobats of a circus
Without imagination, invention is impossible. W. Clement Stone famously said “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve”. Belief and
In 1984, John McEnroe exceeded expectations at his final match at Wimbledon, finishing the year with a match record of 82 wins and
Before he studied the flow state, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi had originally set out to determine what makes people happy. He was particularly interested in
When Michael Jordan was in high school, he didn’t make the basketball team. Instead of taking the rejection personally, he practiced on his
Social media is an invaluable tool in business. The platform gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to quickly reach a targeted or global audience from
Face to face communication has been proven to be more productive, especially in terms of idea flow. Research shows that an in-person meeting can generate
For most, listening does not come easily – not because we’re unintelligent or callous – but because the mechanisms of our brain make
In the 1980s, Italian neurophysiologist Giacomo Rizzolatti was studying the brain functions of macaque monkeys when he made a discovery that drastically expanded
A study conducted by LinkedIn found that 85% of jobs are secured through networking as opposed to traditional application processes. Networking is fundamental
In 2010, Cornell researcher Matthew Brashears set out to determine how human friendships have evolved since the internet boom. Brashears surveyed over 2,000
Over 500 faces were staring up at me, waiting for me to say something. Anything. But I couldn’t even open my mouth. I
If you know at least parts of your speech off by heart, especially the beginning, then even if you are nervous, you won't have trouble with public speaking
When we stand tall, put our hands in the air and take up space, we can assert our dominance. You can learn and master confidence
In 2008, researchers Jessica Tracy and David Matsumoto studied the body language of blind athletes at the 2004 Paralympics against their sighted counterparts.
Most people are born with a powerful instrument that is completely unique to them – their voice. When our vocal cords vibrate they
When I was in my early twenties, I worked as a salesman for a company that raised money for the Catholic Church in
Picture yourself as a sports manager, assembling the best football team that would challenge the league title. Would you take on players from
Diversity in business is essential. Studies show that teams composed of men and women of different races, nationalities, sexual orientations and reli
In 1964, Harvard psychologist Robert Rosenthal teamed up with school principal Lenore Jacobson in a study that would gauge the impact of teachers’
A 2013 report by Gallup found that only 30% of employees feel inspired at work. It is estimated that this lack of engagement
In a 2011 study, “Do Nice Guys – And Gals – Really Finish Last?” Notre Dame Professor Timothy Judge found that agreeable leaders
The very best ideas are developed carefully, and often, independent of others. In a study conducted at Yale in 1958, 48 students were
Rebel's employees need to think independently, but brainstorm together. It's most effective when they know about the session in advance, as this gives the
A staggering majority of people are unhappy at work. It’s a world-wide epidemic. In the United States, 70% of people hate their jobs.
A rebel entrepreneur can make their staff feel like they are self-employed but still a vital part of the organisation. Then, together, they can work towards
In a feature with NPR, Majorn Bell talks about her time with a boss who micromanaged the company. Bell had to email her
Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn, likened the figure of an entrepreneur to that of a pilot by stating “Starting a company is
A recent study by Harvard Business School has found that companies generate more success when the workplace environment is one that encourages employees
There was once a CEO who ran a hugely successful company out of a high-rise building in Manhattan. One day, a fuse blew
The world appears to be so divided. Leaders and entrepreneurs challenge their own perspectives, in business and life by looking at opposing points of view.
Happiness and control are intrinsically linked, but how does this knowledge play out in the business world? Does this mean that if your
Can money buy happiness? In a study published in Psychological Science, Kathleen Vohs found that when people are reminded of money they become
In 1920, psychologist John Watson wanted to test the extent to which humans can be conditioned to feel irrational fear. Watson had selected
Elon Musk – who identifies as an “introverted engineer” – has spoken in the past about how he had no choice but to
Sigmund Freud once said “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” Freud was
When were you happiest? Maybe when you landed your dream job, or when ‘the love of your life’ finally asked you out. Maybe
“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius During his prison sentence,
The wisdom of stoicism can be a guiding light through tough times in business. You may encounter problems entirely out of your control, and in this instance
In 2005, Jessica Witt studied athletes to assess how perceptions can shape reality. After a game, Witt showed them images of softballs of
Before the 1950s, athletes and medical experts shared the consensus that running a mile in less than four minutes was a biological impossibility.
I’ve spoken in the past about how a rebel entrepreneur must be psychologically equipped to deal with the challenges presented to them on
In a 2012 interview, Malala Yousafzai speaks about the moment she stood up to the Taliban, the terrorist group who had threatened her
In the 1890s, Ivan Pavlov conducted a number of experiments on dogs in which he studied their saliva secretion. Pavlov would ring a
When it comes to getting into the sea, there are two types of people – jumpers and splashers. The splashers enter slowly. They
Acclaimed pianist Vladimir Horowitz once said that the worst thing for a musician to do was to think about the position of his
Psychologists link uncertainty to anxiety. But focusing your attention on the things within your control can be beneficial for your mental health.
Anxiety can follow an entrepreneur at every stage in business. Though they can take practical steps to avoid it, anxiety can rear its head in spite
Navy SEALs get up at 04:30 AM every morning for a gruelling physical session. As the sun rises, a SEAL will complete a
When Katharine Hepburn was a child she would take an ice bath every morning and swim regularly in the Long Island Sound. The
It is thought that the sauna was first invented by the Finns over 2,000 years ago before they travelled and brought it to
At one point in my career, it felt like stress was going to defeat me. Deadlines were mounting, I felt physically sick and
Stress is good for you. Only if you believe that stress can kill you, it will. However, once I realised that it could work for me rather than against me
In 1957, a patient known to the media as ‘Mr Wright’ was diagnosed with cancer in a California hospital. His tumours were the
A lack of sleep wreaks havoc on our physical and mental well-being, and yet humans are the only mammals to deliberately deprive themselves of sleep. From a
Amnesty International lists deliberate sleep deprivation as a form of torture, and those who have been subjected to it support this classification. The
Stephen King was on a flight from New York to London when he awoke from a frightening nightmare in which he was being
In 1993, Swedish psychologist Anders Ericcson set out to find what makes great performers tick. He was particularly interested in what separates top-level
When Steven Kotler was 30, he was diagnosed with Lyme disease. His symptoms were so excruciating he spent 90% of his day in
In 1964, Norman Cousins was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a debilitating condition that left him in constant pain. His doctors theorised that stress
In recent times, anxiety has become an epidemic. According to the World Health Organization, 300 million people around the world suffer from anxiety
Humans can live without food for three weeks. We can go without water for about three days. But without any air, we’ll die
In 1906, polymath and statistician Sir Francis Galton was visiting a country fair in England when he first observed a strange mathematical phenomenon.
Rebel entrepreneurs understand that they need to tap into collective wisdom, and they know how to use it when it comes to developing a product or service.
Over the course of his career, Massaru Emoto was fascinated by the connection between water and human consciousness. Emoto encouraged over 1,900 people
The total length of the human face divided by the distance between the eyes and mouth approximates towards the number 1.618, also known
For years, many have claimed that their success is due to the power of ‘manifestation’. In The Secret, Rhonda Byrne claimed that if
After times of war, when a large percentage of the male population is killed, there follows a huge spike in the number of
The returning soldier effect is just one of the bizarre and unexplainable ways the world works to restore balance. Rebel entrepreneurs who are passionate
In 2018, the furniture company Ikea brought two plants to a classroom in Dubai in order to raise awareness for Anti-Bullying Day. The
If we can look at any situation from a larger perspective, and with the understanding that situations are only good or bad if we label them as such. Often
After years of grafting and sleepless nights, I finally felt ready to launch our product. We were given a great opportunity to launch
If you can offer a solution or a prescription to your customers' problem, the sale will close itself. Selling is not jamming your foot in someone’s door.
It is thought that the sauna was first invented by the Finns over 2,000 years ago before they travelled and brought it to
In 1957, a patient known to the media as ‘Mr Wright’ was diagnosed with cancer in a California hospital. His tumours were the
In a feature with NPR, Majorn Bell talks about her time with a boss who micromanaged the company. Bell had to email her
Stephen King was on a flight from New York to London when he awoke from a frightening nightmare in which he was being
Artificial intelligence is transforming the world we live in every day whether you are aware of it or not. As new strides in
Sigmund Freud once said “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” Freud was
When it comes to fundraising it is critical to not only communicate your adaptability and the viability of your product, but to prove
It only takes one person to make or break a brand. Rebel entrepreneurs understand this. They never underestimate the impact a single person can have.
In 2007, two broke roommates, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia realised that if they couldn’t raise enough money for rent on their San
A study conducted by LinkedIn found that 85% of jobs are secured through networking as opposed to traditional application processes. Networking is fundamental
In a 2002 study, 180 people underwent three treatment routes for their arthritis. In one group, surgeons removed the patients’ loose knee cartilage.
With feedback, rebel entrepreneurs can remove the friction points and then reassess. This process is known as the “perfection loop”. It’s ongoing, but with
Positive visualisation of a goal has a profound effect on the human body. A ‘goal’ here can also mean any important event, including an upcoming speech
When we stand tall, put our hands in the air and take up space, we can assert our dominance. You can learn and master confidence
When were you happiest? Maybe when you landed your dream job, or when ‘the love of your life’ finally asked you out. Maybe
David Steindl-Rast once said “It is not happiness that makes us grateful, it is gratefulness that makes us happy.” Steindl-Rast is not alone
Over the course of his career, Massaru Emoto was fascinated by the connection between water and human consciousness. Emoto encouraged over 1,900 people
A rebel entrepreneur isn't afraid. If the promise of reward is not enough to motivate you into taking that plunge, then try changing your motivation to fear
A rebel entrepreneur can make their staff feel like they are self-employed but still a vital part of the organisation. Then, together, they can work towards
In 1964, Norman Cousins was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a debilitating condition that left him in constant pain. His doctors theorised that stress
When 3D4Medical started off, I was operating entirely on a shoestring. We had just one employee – me – who worked from the
When it comes to getting into the sea, there are two types of people – jumpers and splashers. The splashers enter slowly. They
The total length of the human face divided by the distance between the eyes and mouth approximates towards the number 1.618, also known
Money was my motivation in my early days as an entrepreneur. In hindsight, this was the single biggest mistake I made in my
Reid Hoffman – the founder of LinkedIn – once said: “Starting a company is like jumping off a cliff and trying to assemble
The wisdom of stoicism can be a guiding light through tough times in business. You may encounter problems entirely out of your control, and in this instance
In recent times, anxiety has become an epidemic. According to the World Health Organization, 300 million people around the world suffer from anxiety
Albert Einstein once said “Stay away from negative people, they have a problem for every solution.” He was entirely right. Negative people can
The negative orientation of the mind is no longer effective as a survival instinct. It prevents us from achieving our full potential, leaving us victims of
“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius During his prison sentence,
In 2005, Jessica Witt studied athletes to assess how perceptions can shape reality. After a game, Witt showed them images of softballs of
There was once a farmer, whose stallion was his most prized possession. He took excellent care of the animal, until one day, the
If you keep an open mind it will not only strengthen the judgements you make in business, but will make you happier as well. Empathy is vital, not just...
At one point in my career, it felt like stress was going to defeat me. Deadlines were mounting, I felt physically sick and
Are we predisposed to think negatively? Our first ancestors were hunter-gatherers that were conditioned to yield to negative thoughts to protect themselves from
In a 2012 interview, Malala Yousafzai speaks about the moment she stood up to the Taliban, the terrorist group who had threatened her
When Katharine Hepburn was a child she would take an ice bath every morning and swim regularly in the Long Island Sound. The
Psychologists link uncertainty to anxiety. But focusing your attention on the things within your control can be beneficial for your mental health.
Once we stop asking “What’s in it for me?” and change that question to “How can I help?” - we can tap into the part of our psyche that thrives on helping on
Diversity in business is essential. Studies show that teams composed of men and women of different races, nationalities, sexual orientations and reli
Whatever you put in now will come back to you in the future. A rebel entrepreneur will sacrifice a few years of partying now for decades of freedom later.
Amazon have built their brand on the understanding that modern consumers are willing to pay to get what they want as fast as
Most people are born with a powerful instrument that is completely unique to them – their voice. When our vocal cords vibrate they
The average human attention span is short, and, according to a 2015 survey by Microsoft, it’s only getting shorter. In the study, 2,000
Rebel entrepreneurs realize that they thrive in the face of fear and the unknown. It's only when they take that jump, that they understand what they are
Before he studied the flow state, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi had originally set out to determine what makes people happy. He was particularly interested in
An immersive, 3D system that projects a virtual world onto the user’s own surroundings – all without the need of a headset, goggles or glasses.
