Inspiration From Corporate CEOs

Should creatives take inspiration from corporate CEOs? Should creatives take inspiration from tech startups? I’m not so sure. 

I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade. You can take inspiration from anyone you like. I take inspiration from Kermit The Frog. There are many inspirational people in this world. But there are also vast differences between freelancers and entrepreneurs, and I think many creators get it mixed up. 

The goal of a corporation is to increase shareholder profit. That’s why they can do things like let 10% of their staff go on a Monday morning, and no one is worried about that. If it increases their profit, then that’s a win. The goal of a startup is to be acquired. That’s why they can move quickly, outrunning local legislation to beat everyone else to market. But what’s the goal of a creator? To make an impact? To affect local change? To connect a community? It could be any number of things. 

Every good decision is grounded in a goal. A great business decision for a corporation or a startup might be a terrible decision for a creator. The goals are so different. 

Take inspiration from anyone you like. But know that your goals are probably different than those you look up to. Make a great decision for your scenario, not anyone else’s.