… The TV Show.
No, I did not take a road trip to CA. However, I DID just finish binge-watching one of the best comedies I’ve seen in a long time.
In case you aren’t familiar, Silicon Valley ran on HBO from 2014 – 2019. It was on my husband’s radar for a long time (being a huge fan of Mike Judge) and we finally decided to watch it. It’s a satirical and comedic take on the tech industry and startup culture, following a bunch of misfits through their ill-fated attempt to “change the world.”
And OMG is it FUNNY.
In addition to laughing so hard it hurt, I actually took away quite a few lessons from the show.
So here’s a bit of Pied Piper (watch the show) wisdom for you …
Pivot, pivot, and pivot again: The characters in Silicon Valley are experts at pivoting their strategies whenever things go off the rails. And believe me, it’s A LOT. Whether it’s changing their product, target market, or even their company name, they demonstrate the importance of embracing flexibility and adapting to unforeseen circumstances.
Nerd out and collaborate: The show highlights the power of coming together. The characters, each with their own specialized knowledge, quirks and skills, join forces to create something much greater than the sum of its parts. Embracing your eccentricities and collaborating with others who share your passions can lead to amazing ideas.
Laugh at your failures: Failure is inevitable, even when things seem to be going your way. And the show is a pointed reminder that it’s okay to laugh at our missteps and learn from them. Whether it’s a disastrous product demo, a cringe-worthy pitch, or even spontaneously launching yourself through a glass window, finding humor in the face of failure can help you bounce back stronger.
Follow your inner moral compass: Silicon Valley is a wild ride through the treacherous terrain of ambition and integrity. As the characters navigate the endless entrepreneurial maze, they’re constantly challenged to find balance between reaching for the stars and ethics … errr, “tethics.”
So, your assignment now (in addition to watching the show) is to wear your quirks like a badge of honor. Pivot with the grace of a disco-dancing penguin. And realize that success isn’t just about IPOs and unicorn valuations—it’s about finding joy in the journey and not taking yourself too seriously.
“Always blue! … Always blue! … Always blue! …”