If I had to build With Ember from scratch today, I know one thing for sure, I wouldn’t start in the same way I once thought was “right.”
Before the first lecture, I believed that building a business was mostly about having a clear idea, creating a strong product, and then putting it out into the world. I thought that if something looked good, felt right, and was well executed, it would naturally find its audience. But what I’ve come to understand is that this way of thinking skips one of the most important parts of building a business: truly understanding the customer before building too much.
If I were starting again, I would slow down in the beginning not to hesitate, but to listen more. I would spend more time talking to potential customers, understanding how they think, what they struggle with, and what actually matters to them. Instead of assuming I know what people want, I would test small ideas early and let real feedback guide the direction.
Another thing I would do differently is how I approach progress. Before, I think I saw building a business as something that should follow a relatively clear path you plan, you build, and then you grow. Now I see it as something much more fluid. It’s not about getting it right the first time, but about being willing to adjust constantly. If I were starting over, I would focus much more on iteration launching faster, learning faster, and improving continuously instead of waiting for things to feel “ready.”
On a more personal level, this course has also changed how I see myself in the process. I used to think that starting a business required a certain type of personality someone very outspoken, highly confident, and naturally comfortable taking big risks. I didn’t fully see myself in that role.
But I don’t think that anymore.
I’ve realized that I bring something different, but equally valuable. I’ve worked in roles where I’ve had to wear many hats, adapt quickly, and figure things out along the way. That experience has taught me to be resourceful and comfortable with uncertainty which is actually a big part of building a startup. I also know that I’m willing to learn as I go, and that mindset is probably more important than having everything figured out from the beginning.
I also see now that not being the loudest person in the room isn’t a disadvantage. In fact, it can be a strength. Building a business isn’t just about talking it’s about listening. Paying attention to where people hesitate, what they don’t say, and where they get stuck can reveal much more than any initial idea ever could. If I were starting again, I would lean into that strength much more deliberately.
Finally, I would focus more on starting small. Instead of thinking about the full vision of the business, I would break it down into smaller experiments. What is the simplest version of this idea I can test? What can I learn this week, not six months from now? That shift alone would make the process feel more manageable and more real.
Looking back, I think the biggest change is this: I no longer see building a business as something you need to be fully ready for. It’s something you grow into. If I were to rebuild With Ember today, I wouldn’t wait for certainty. I would start with curiosity, stay close to the customer, and trust that clarity comes through doing – not before it.