The Art of Starting from Zero
It is 1/3 mindset + 1/3 planning + 1/3 lip of faith
Dear readers,
It is the second edition of starting from zero., after a very first introductory NL.
Now, I would like to dive into the core theme of the build chapter: The Art of Starting from Zero."
Every project, every company, every idea—all of them began somewhere, often from a blank slate. And if there's one thing I’ve learned over the years, it's that starting is an art form. It’s not just about taking a first step; it’s about how you approach (I also say plan) that first step, mentally and strategically.
The Mindset of Building from Zero
Starting from zero isn't just about having an idea; it's about shaping the right mindset. A mindset that's not afraid of failure, embraces learning, and sees challenges as opportunities.
When I was setting up Amazon Robotics in Europe or turning around operations at Gorillas and Getir, the first step wasn't to build a team or launch a product—it was to cultivate the right approach.
Here are a few principles that have guided me when beginning something from scratch:
Embrace Uncertainty: Starting anything new is like walking into a fog. You might not see the whole path, but you trust that each step forward will reveal a bit more. It’s crucial to become comfortable with ambiguity, to focus on the next step, and use it as a catalyst for innovation, not a reason to hesitate.
Stay Curious: Questions drive progress. Curiosity allows you to challenge assumptions, dig deeper into customer pain points, and see market opportunities that others might overlook. A “Why not?”/”Why"?”"/”How"?” attitude can be the spark for breakthrough ideas. I have never been shy enough to ask stupid questions.
Learn, Adapt, and Iterate: The best way to make progress is to learn fast and adjust. Each work is an ongoing experiment. Test your ideas, gather feedback, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Sometimes the initial idea is just a seed that needs to be reshaped to find its true form.
Strategies to Get Started
Now, with the right mindset in place, how do you move from zero to something tangible? These are the approaches that have helped me tackle initial challenges:
Identify your key Opportunity: It's not about reinventing the wheel; it's about recognizing a genuine opportunity within your business or industry that requires attention. As a leader, your role is to pinpoint these pain points and envision how your solutions can address them. Focus on value—what improvements or innovations can your approach bring that haven't been implemented before?
Start Small, Think Big: While you main aim to the moon, every substantial achievement begins with a focused effort on specific goals. Implement a pilot project or small-scale initiative that tests your core hypothesis. Form there, iterate and iterate. Don't expend resources perfecting an elaborate plan before you've validated that it addresses the problem effectively.
Build a Team that Believes in the Mission: In my experience, whether it was with Zara's digital expansion or advancing Amazon Robotics' objectives, it's never just about the strategy—it's about the people. Surround yourself with dedicated, skilled individuals who share your vision and complement your strengths. Your team's commitment and energy will help you navigate challenges and amplify successes.
Lessons from Experience
Reflecting on my own journey, starting something from zero always felt like stepping into a void. I have done it several times - with a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety - but every time, it’s been the right mindset and strategic actions that led to breakthroughs.
When launching Amazon Robotics, we weren’t just opening new warehouses; we were reimagining how operations work in a supply chain environment to provide better services to customers. When taking on Gorillas and Getir, it wasn’t only about making delivery faster—it was about sustainable profitability and restructuring how the service functioned at its core.
Whether you're starting a new project, reimagining a current business, or just daydreaming about a future venture, the key takeaway is this: Don't fear the zero. Embrace it as the ultimate canvas for creation.
Inspiration Corner
Video: “The Power of Belief - Mindset and Success” by Eduardo Briceño - how our beliefs about our abilities have a profound effect on our success. A must-watch for anyone needing a boost of inspiration for a “growth mindset.”
Article: ”The First Step Is to Define Your Reality” from Harvard Business Review - how every leader must confront their starting point honestly and understand where they are before they can begin to build forward.
Let's Connect
I want this newsletter to be a two-way conversation. Feel free to share your thoughts, ask questions, or suggest topics you'd like me to cover. You can reach me directly or connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter.
What's Next?
This project is a 12 months newsletter, divided into 4 buckets (one per quarter):
build, grow, scale, and sustain.
I will write about that, with a bi-weekly cadence (Tue/Thu).
We are now at the build on this journey. Remember, every significant accomplishment starts from zero. Let's take that step together.
Best,
Matteo