Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
When asked how startup founders should handle a failed venture or pivot, Sam Altman says:
“First of all, I think this is probably the best time — maybe ever — to be starting out your career because you will get to surf the greatest technological wave, maybe ever. And what that means is you can change course many times because you will have this unbelievable tailwind.”
He advises founders to not get too hung up on any particular setback or failure — or even just changing your mind if you find something more exciting to go after:
“I think this is going to be an unusual time in how much it rewards adaptability and decisive and quick movement. And I would trust that… And not get hung up on the fact that you decided to pivot or something didn’t work because you are just going to be flooded with opportunities for the next few years.”
He concludes:
“It’s still hard. It still always feels like a setback. But take the time you need to go on vacation, go for a hike, or just stew over it for a little while. But when you get back up, get back up with vigor.”
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Harvard HBS 2024
When asked how startup founders should handle a failed venture or pivot, Sam Altman says:
“First of all, I think this is probably the best time — maybe ever — to be starting out your career because you will get to surf the greatest technological wave, maybe ever. And what that means is you can change course many times because you will have this unbelievable tailwind.”
He advises founders to not get too hung up on any particular setback or failure — or even just changing your mind if you find something more exciting to go after:
“I think this is going to be an unusual time in how much it rewards adaptability and decisive and quick movement. And I would trust that… And not get hung up on the fact that you decided to pivot or something didn’t work because you are just going to be flooded with opportunities for the next few years.”
He concludes:
“It’s still hard. It still always feels like a setback. But take the time you need to go on vacation, go for a hike, or just stew over it for a little while. But when you get back up, get back up with vigor.”
- - -
Harvard HBS 2024
