The internet has broadened our ability to conduct global trade, but the industry itself hasn’t fully embraced the internet. Ryan Petersen, CEO and founder of Flexport, saw how he could bring these two forces for good together to build software that would make global trade more accessible and bring greater opportunity to more individuals.

The shipping industry isn’t built on logic; it’s built on centuries of experience and expertise. But it hasn’t adopted technology to the fullest. Ryan Petersen, CEO and founder of Flexport, recognized this opportunity to put technology to work to streamline the process. “A lot of the world’s problems you can’t deduce from first principles,” he says. In order to truly understand how you can make an impact with your customers, you have to meet them face to face - you can’t build your product alone and hope it will work.

Ignore competitors. Work on your product strategy.

Be ambitious with your time. Innovation can only occur if you’re self-driven.

Collaborate to disrupt an industry. Sharing is caring.

Don’t strive for perfection. Strive for completion.

Don’t pigeonhole your company by sticking to one idea. Find ways to innovate and expand on your ideas.

No journey is the same. But you can learn from those who came before you.

Remember those who stood with you at the low-points. Stay grounded by keeping them in your inner circle.

Learn how to keep learning and questioning. Adaptability is the key to success.

Be humble and listen to your customers. Use their insight to improve their experience.

Don’t let anger control you. Channel your feelings into finding and fighting for solutions.

Don’t be afraid to pivot with your entrepreneur.

Don’t shy away from tough news. Use EQ to navigate through the tough conversations.