If you’ve ever started a business, you know it’s not all sunshine and quick wins. I had a talk with Brett Flinchum, CEO of Stellar, and we got into the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to keep a company alive—especially in a world that’s moving faster than ever.
Brett’s story isn’t about massive overnight success or taking the market by storm. His journey reminded me of something every entrepreneur has to face at some point: you’ve got to be willing to change, hustle, and survive. And if you don’t? You’re out of the game before you even realize it.
Pivoting Is Survival—Not an Option
When Brett first started Stellar, the original plan was to build a product in the AI space. He and his team had early access to groundbreaking AI technologies, but they quickly realized that the AI landscape was evolving at lightning speed. Instead of stubbornly sticking to the original idea, Brett and his team made a crucial decision: they pivoted from a product-based model to a service-based one.
What hit me the hardest during our chat was how clear he was about this decision. Brett wasn’t looking for a shiny new opportunity—he was simply trying to keep the business alive. He knew that building a product in a space where AI was quickly commodifying could be a losing battle. So, instead, Stellar focused on helping other companies integrate AI into their operations. That shift—from trying to sell a product to providing services that companies actually needed—ended up being the lifeline Stellar needed.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Know When to Switch Gears: Sometimes the best move isn’t the one you originally planned. Being willing to pivot isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength.
- Listen to Your Customers: Brett’s company shifted from building products to offering services because that’s what their clients needed. Don’t just push what you think is the best solution—find out what your customers actually want and adapt to that.
- Stubbornness Will Sink You: Sticking to your original plan just because it was “the plan” is a fast way to fail. Stay flexible and don’t be afraid to change direction.
It’s About Survival, Plain and Simple
If there’s one thing Brett drove home during our conversation, it’s that entrepreneurship is about surviving one more day. In an industry like AI, where advancements happen overnight and new startups pop up every minute, it’s easy to get swallowed by the competition. Brett’s mindset was all about survival. He wasn’t aiming to dominate the market immediately—he was aiming to stay alive long enough to see opportunities open up.
He explained it perfectly when he said, “Every day, companies are falling off the map. Our goal? Survive another day.”
This mindset isn’t about playing it safe, though. It’s about persistence. When you’re building something in a space that changes constantly, being able to adapt—and keep going—is more valuable than trying to build the perfect solution from the start.
What I Learned from Brett’s Experience:
- Resilience Wins: Some days, it’s not about massive growth; it’s about not going under. Staying in the fight means you’ll eventually find your win.
- Embrace the Uncertainty: There’s no such thing as a guaranteed path. Brett’s ability to pivot when things got shaky is a reminder to get comfortable with uncertainty and chaos.
- Customer Needs First: Brett’s shift toward services was a direct response to what his clients were asking for. Focusing on solving their problems—not just selling them a product—made all the difference for Stellar.
My Reflections from the Interview
After chatting with Brett, I was reminded of something I’ve learned the hard way: no one’s entrepreneurial journey is a straight line. There’s no clean path from point A to point B. You learn as you go, you pivot when necessary, and you figure things out along the way. And sometimes, that’s exactly how you build something worthwhile.
Brett didn’t have everything figured out from the start—no one does. But what set him apart was his willingness to adapt and his relentless focus on surviving and thriving. That’s a lesson that resonates with me personally, because entrepreneurship isn’t about perfection. It’s about staying in the game long enough to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Be Ready to Evolve: Nothing in business stays static. If you’re not evolving, you’re falling behind.
- Stay Humble, Stay Curious: Brett’s curiosity and humility in learning about new technologies kept him and his team ahead. No one knows everything, and being open to learning is key.
- Value Your Team’s Expertise: Brett’s appreciation for his team’s strengths is a reminder that as entrepreneurs, we don’t need to do it all. Surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses.
- Persistence is Everything: Success doesn’t come to those who have it all figured out. It comes to those who keep going, day after day.
- Focus on Customer Value: Ultimately, your business survives by solving real problems for real people. Don’t lose sight of that. It’s the value you bring that keeps your business alive.
Final Thoughts
Entrepreneurship is messy. It’s rarely a straight path, and Brett’s journey with Stellar is a perfect example of that. Success doesn’t come from having a perfect plan or always being right—it comes from staying flexible, listening to your market, and pushing forward even when things get tough. Brett’s story is a reminder that success comes to those who keep moving, even when the road gets bumpy and uncertain.
CONNECT WITH BRETT FLINCHUM:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flinchum/
Stellar Website: https://www.getstellar.ai/