"Fortunately we’re not a public company – we’re a private group of companies, and I can do what I want."

This quote is all about freedom and control. It’s like saying, “Hey, we’re not bound by all those public company rules and pressures. We can make decisions based on what we believe is right without having to answer to a bunch of shareholders.” Imagine you’re running a business, and you don’t have to justify every move to a board of directors or worry about quarterly earnings reports. That’s the core idea here.

Historically, this kind of sentiment often comes up when comparing public and private companies. Public companies are subject to greater scrutiny and have to maintain a certain level of transparency and accountability to their shareholders. These external pressures can sometimes stifle innovation or lead to a focus on short-term gains. Private companies, on the other hand, have more flexibility. They can take risks, experiment, and focus on long-term goals without the constant oversight.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Take SpaceX, for instance. Elon Musk has been able to push boundaries and take significant risks with SpaceX because it’s a private company. If it were public, he’d likely face immense pressure from shareholders to stick to safer, more traditional projects. Instead, he’s been able to pursue ambitious goals like Mars colonization and reusable rockets. These ventures might have been deemed too risky or financially unsound by a board of directors, but being private gave him the liberty to innovate.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? If you’re in a position where you have control over your business or your projects, take advantage of that freedom. Don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue your visions. It’s about leveraging your autonomy to create something unique and impactful. If you’re not in that position yet, think about ways you can carve out more control in your professional life. Maybe it means starting your own side project where you call the shots. The key is to remember the value of independence and how it can fuel creativity and innovation.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with a friend, and they tell you about this idea they’ve been mulling over. It’s bold, maybe even a little crazy, but it has potential. They’re worried, though, because their current job is pretty rigid and there’s not much room for experimentation. You remind them of the quote and how the flexibility of being in a private setup can unleash creativity. “Why not start it as a side project?” you suggest. “You’ve got the freedom to shape it however you want. No one’s looking over your shoulder.”

This resonates with them because it’s a reminder that great ideas often need a bit of room to breathe, away from the pressures and constraints of external oversight. It’s about embracing the liberty to innovate and take risks, knowing that you’re steering the ship. This way, you’re not just working within the confines of what’s expected—you’re defining new boundaries and possibilities. So, whether it’s a new business venture, a creative project, or just a different way of doing things, the essence is the same. Use the freedom you have to do something remarkable.