Thank you for incorporating 2 of your real-world examples here.
I recently suffered from over-preparation in an interview. Instead of relying on my foundation of knowledge and instincts, I was stuck trying to recite the perfect script I had dreamt up.
Allowing yourself the freedom to make decisions is an important step - perfection can paralyze.
Very good read, Martin.
Thank you!
I’ve seen data overload far too much in my experience and tried to guide my decision making by a bit of gut, once I got enough data.
The key is knowing when is enough.
Again, it’s gut feeling, plus a bit of experience.
Loved the 70% bit from Jeff Bezos.
Data is like seasoning. Use too little, and the dish is bland. Use too much, and you ruin the meal. Thanks Giacomo!
Love the metaphor!
Thank you for incorporating 2 of your real-world examples here.
I recently suffered from over-preparation in an interview. Instead of relying on my foundation of knowledge and instincts, I was stuck trying to recite the perfect script I had dreamt up.
Allowing yourself the freedom to make decisions is an important step - perfection can paralyze.
Preparation matters, but only if it makes you more flexible, not rigid. The best interviews feel like conversations, not recitals.
Be prepared to be flexible. I like that!
Thanks for pointing out the data overload in startups. It's a pain if you want to force "data-driven" decision making.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my career in startups, especially in the early days, it’s that:
a) Data can slow down decision-making.
b) Qualitative metrics are often more valuable than quantitative ones.
Great insights Andreas. In early-stage startups, obsessing over “data-driven” can kill momentum.
I find proxies and heuristics keep things moving:
Proxies → Use leading signals like customer DMs, churn reasons, or organic mentions instead of waiting for perfect data.
Heuristics → Set quick decision rules (e.g., “If 3+ customers request it, test it”).
Speed > precision early on. Informed instincts often win.
I've used a lot of proxies in the past, but the quick decision rules are nice! I like the '3+ customers request it, test it' rule.