If You Believe In What You're Building, Don't Wait For Permission
In the early days of building my business, there were plenty of reasons to pause, rethink or wait. But what kept us moving was a clear conviction: The live entertainment industry was ready for change. I know from experience that with a focused team and a willingness to take calculated risks, you can set out to build something different.
If you're an entrepreneur today, here's the deal: You'll never get a green light from the world before you start. You have to give yourself permission to move. That's the real job of a founder—deciding that belief in your vision is enough to get going.
So, how do you build momentum when the world hasn't caught up to your idea yet? Here's what worked for me: creating excitement and casting a vision.
Build Before You Pitch
Don't wait for investor validation or outside approval before you start building. We invested in infrastructure, talent and the fan experience from day one—even before the business model was fully proven. People believed in our idea because they could see it taking shape, and we leaned into the fan experience along the way. Putting fans front and center, proving that prototypes beat pitch decks every time.
Use what you have—whether it's your time, tools or network to create something tangible. A live demo, early activation or pilot version of your product can open more doors than any presentation ever will.
It's just as much about the jockey as it is the horse. Get to know the people behind the product, their grit, their drive, their vision, and you'll start to believe more deeply in where it's going. Business isn't a smooth track. It's full of sharp turns and unexpected hurdles.
Talk to Customers, Not Just Advisors
It's easy to get caught up seeking feedback from people who aren't your audience. I learned quickly that the most honest validation comes from those you're actually building for: fans, artists, partners. That's where the insights (and momentum) live.
Therefore, be sure to prioritize open, honest feedback. Create real-time loops with the people who matter most, and make it clear their voice isn't just welcome, it's essential. Because trust and transparency aren't just values; they're your foundation.
Move Fast, But Stay Rooted In Your 'Why'
Speed matters. So does staying true to the reason you started. We expanded quickly—from a regional idea to publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange—but it's important to never stray from your mission. This kind of clarity makes it easier to navigate tough decisions as you grow and things become more complex.
My main advice: Never lose momentum. Write your mission in a single sentence. If a new opportunity doesn't align with it, let it go—no matter how attractive it looks on paper.
Trust That Conviction Attracts Others
The real turning point wasn't media coverage or investor interest—it came when the broader live entertainment industry started to take us seriously. That shift showed up in unexpected ways: venue partnerships, award nominations, industry lists and some press. In hindsight, it wasn't hype that moved things forward—it was consistent conviction, backed by execution. That kind of belief, when shared authentically, has a way of spreading. Conviction is contagious.
So, don't downplay your ambition. Speak clearly and confidently about your vision. The right people are drawn to energy, not hesitation.
Looking back, I didn't build my company by asking for approval; I built it by moving forward with a disruptive purpose. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that if you truly believe in what you're building, the only permission you need is your own. Now go give it to yourself.
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