This month marks twenty years since we launched Kiva. As I look back, I’m realizing I’ve been collecting lessons all along - but without intending to, I’ve kept so many of them to myself.
True, I’ve given hundreds of talks, written a book (shameless plug: the second one’s out in two weeks!), and spent countless hours with students, but there are still so many ideas and insights I’ve never shared out loud.
So I’ve been thinking about those quieter revelations: digging through old journals to unearth insights I’d tucked away, revisiting advice given in private to fellow founders and friends, reflecting on those early days and everything that’s happened since. I’ve learned so much not just about entrepreneurship, but about intention, purpose, and what it means to build a life and career that truly align with what you value most.
I’ve also felt a strong pull to reconnect with writing. It’s the best way I know how to make sense of things and clarify what matters most.
Over the next twenty days, I’ll be sharing twenty short lessons from Kiva and beyond. My hope is that they spark thought, honesty, and maybe a bit of courage for anyone on their own path to doing meaningful work.
Here’s to going back to the beginning again.