Johann Van Tonder
@jvt
20 years in ecommerce, now CEO of a CRO agency. Probably doing analysis in R or building stuff with AI. Or walking on the beach. Yeah, probably that.
Johann Van Tonder
In 1903, the New York Times predicted it would take 1–10 million years to invent a working airplane.
The Wright brothers made their first powered flight just 9 weeks later.
Don’t aim to impress. Aim to educate.
As a presenter, if my intention is to impress, perform, or entertain, I’m going to be nervous because my focus is on me.
If, however, my intention is to educate my audience on a vision, idea, or insight that will bring real value to their lives and/or their business, my focus is on them. As a result, I relax and
The company is an extension of my psychology as the founder. All my strengths and knowledge get amplified and extended, but so do my weaknesses and limitations.
- Tiago Forte on X
Startup Advice and
George Mack on how your personal brand is defined not by how similar you are to the tribe, but what eccentricities make you stand out from it:
"Only the irrational behaviour survives - If you study the biographies of the greats or attend the funerals of people you care about — the normal rational behavior is never mentioned. Instead, it’s filled
... See more“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home.”
• Ken Olsen, Founder of Digital Equipment Corporation (1977)
Quotes and Underestimating the Future
Olsen’s comment was actually about computers controlling homes, but it was interpreted as skepticism about the personal computer, becoming legendary for how wrong it seemed in retrospect
https://martech.zone/failed-predictions/
the story-driven company is responsive to customers and prioritises having a clear sense of purpose and identity. It makes little reference to the competition and is intent on creating an impact.
Bernadette Jiwa • Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
“I write when I’m inspired, so I see to it I’m inspired every morning at nine o’clock.” ~ Peter De Vries
It’s okay to be discouraged. It’s not okay to quit. To know you want to quit but to plant your feet and keep inching closer until you take the impenetrable fortress you’ve decided to lay siege to in your own life—that’s persistence.
Ryan Holiday • The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
Inspo and Motivation