Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bruce Hamilton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Bruce, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Well, you see, resilience is an essential trait for anyone pursuing their passion. For me, it stems from a deep belief in the power of what I do. I’ve always been driven by a desire to create something meaningful, something that has the potential to change the world. This belief gives me the strength to weather the storms, to face challenges head-on.
But let me tell you, it’s not just about blind faith. Resilience also comes from a willingness to learn from failure. Every setback, every stumble, it’s an opportunity to grow, to refine your approach, to come back stronger. It’s about understanding that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone on the path to success.
Moreover, surrounding yourself with a team of like-minded, passionate individuals can provide an incredible source of strength. Together, we share a vision and support one another through thick and thin. This collective spirit is a powerful force that propels us forward.
So, in essence, my resilience is a fusion of unwavering belief in my mission, a commitment to learn from adversity, and the strength drawn from the incredible team around me. It’s this combination that fuels my determination to keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Everybody Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm investing in startups at the intersection of pop culture, consumer, and technology. We look for companies that bring people together. Think: cheaper, faster, richer, healthier, more fun, more connected, more productive, more sustainable.
Pop culture is the core of our investment strategy. We believe pop culture evolves technology and vice versa. Pop culture is what brings us all together on a common level.
We do more than just cut a check. We also help founders with marketing / branding efforts, creative strategy, brand partnerships, & more. I believe most startups fail not because their product isn’t good but because no one knows it exists.
Our Fund I is a $10 million dollar fund investing in companies at the pre-seed, seed, and series a stage. We invest in the technology companies that serve consumers. From fintech and gaming, to commerce and media.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I reflect on my own journey, there are three qualities that I believe played a pivotal role.
First and foremost, it’s Passion. You have to have an insatiable hunger for what you’re doing. You need to wake up every morning excited about the challenges ahead. If you’re not passionate, it’s hard to sustain the energy and determination needed to overcome the inevitable obstacles.
Secondly, Curiosity is absolutely essential. Always be curious, always be asking questions. Don’t settle for the status quo. Keep pushing the boundaries of what you know and what’s possible. This is how you innovate, how you create something truly extraordinary.
And finally, Resilience is key. You’re going to face setbacks, criticism, and failures. That’s just part of the journey. The difference between success and failure is often the ability to keep going, to learn from your mistakes, and to adapt. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity in disguise.
For those just starting out, my advice would be to nurture these qualities. Cultivate your passion, feed your curiosity, and build your resilience. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you. And never be afraid to take risks, because that’s where the greatest rewards often lie. Remember, the journey is the reward. Keep moving forward.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
It’s an interesting question, isn’t it? I’ve always believed in focusing on our strengths, but not to the exclusion of everything else. Let me explain.
When we talk about going all in on our strengths, we’re essentially talking about doubling down on what we’re already good at. This is where we have a natural advantage, where we excel, where we can truly shine. This approach allows us to innovate and lead in our chosen domain. It’s about amplifying what makes us unique.
However, it’s also crucial to be aware of our weaknesses. Ignoring them can be perilous. You see, a well-rounded individual or organization has a broader perspective. It’s like a symphony orchestra – each instrument plays a different role, and together they create something beautiful. So, it’s important to dedicate some effort to areas where we may not be as strong.
Let me share a story from my own journey at CrwdBoost. We were known for our design and user experience, but in the early days, our focus was strictly on Instagram. We realized that to truly revolutionize the industry, we needed to venture into new territories like Twitter and TikTok. We weren’t initially experts in those fields, but we brought our design philosophy and user-centric approach with us. And that’s how our services for Twitter and TikTok came into being, changing the course of social media growth marketing forever.
So, in essence, it’s about striking a balance. Leverage your strengths, absolutely, but don’t shy away from areas where you can grow and expand. It’s the combination of both that leads to true innovation and lasting success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.everybody.ventures
- Instagram: Instagram.com/everybodyventures
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/everybody-ventures/
- Twitter: twitter.com/everybodyvc
Image Credits
Kwaku Alston