Chapter 20

Conclusion

Information, knowledge and understanding enable us to do things right, to be efficient, but wisdom enables us to do the right things, to be effective. Science pursues data, information, knowledge and understanding: what is truth; but the humanities pursue wisdom: what is right.

– Russell Lincoln Ackoff

One of the great things about working in smaller companies – especially in growing startups – is that you can have deep, human contact with everybody in the business, including key leaders driving the vision into execution. These people usually have extensive experience and knowledge. When they are also servant leaders, it's a real pleasure hanging out with them because there is always something to learn, even from unexpected situations.

For example, a few days after joining one of the most exciting Italian startups at the time, I was invited for lunch by Max, who was an important man on the Board. We had already...