Episodi 6
The Odyssey of adapting to new contexts
The myth
After the Trojan War, the great odyssey of Ulysses began. A major journey full of adventures that lasted ten years. His goal was to return to Ithaca, his home, and reunite with his beloved Penelope and their son Telemachus.
Ulysses faced various challenges and adversities throughout the Mediterranean. It was not an easy task, and like any entrepreneur, he had to use the ingenuity and help of others to adapt to new circumstances and achieve his mission.
The guest
Talia Bonmatí, founder of Dinbeat, a company born in 2015 that creates ‘wearables’ (everyday products that incorporate a microprocessor) that help people and their pets. She talks with Itziar Blasco, head of Barcelona Activa start-up programmes.
Talia Bonmatí, founder of Dinbeat, a company born in 2015 that creates ‘wearables’ (everyday products that incorporate a microprocessor) that help people and their pets. She talks with Itziar Blasco, head of Barcelona Activa start-up programmes.
‘With this project, I wanted to improve the lives of animals but using technology’.
‘At first we had problems. We were not experts in engineering development and outsourced this part. It was our first mistake, because it took a year and they didn't give us anything that worked'.
‘When we developed the human line, we hired a strategic consultant to help us do the storytelling and fit these two brands into one company.’
‘Changes need to be quick, especially when opportunities arise. It's important to do it fast and well, but take your time to plan’.
‘In 2016 we entered the Glòries incubator and it was one of the best things that could happen to us, because they gave us a lot of support’.
How to overcome the odyssey of entrepreneurship in a changing environment
Managing contingencies is one of the most important parts of your business. This journey is like an odyssey where you have to update yourself and make decisions to reach your Ithaca.
An entrepreneur should:
- have a specific goal. As the philosopher Seneca put it: "There is no favourable wind for those who do not know where they are going".
- be resilient
- be accompanied by a team of experts and very well aligned.
- know how to adapt and change according to the context, phases and adversities we encounter along the way.
- listen to the market.