Superman isn’t Coming

When asked if I have any mentors to whom I look up to, people tend to chuckle when I share that at the top of my list are my family and Superman. 

Embodying both to an extent, my earliest experience with a Man of Steel was my father, who struck me as impervious to anything, and unwaveringly kind to everyone. Mild mannered Clark Kent by day, my father’s style of speaking made anyone feel comfortable, while you just sensed that there was this super power behind his demeanor – indeed there was, an incredibly impactful executive and ideal father. 

Still, Superman himself tops my list of mentors, and rather than jumping right into Truth and Justice, let me point out that it was the strong woman involved in his life, and their unrivaled love for one another, that drove my values. In their family, Lois Lane is entertaining, creative and storytelling, and strong-willed, finding the best in people while being the best herself. She accomplished all that, protecting Superman’s identity, with him (her partner), capable of great things while dealing with great challenges. Together raising a Superboy.

Throughout their lives and as a family, including Ma and Pa Kent, I found the ideals and values I hold in myself; even the science, disguise, integrity, and fantasy of Superman, everything I longed to become, including taking off my own glasses and putting a little curl in my dark hair.

Knowing Superman

The history of the creation of Superman is a tale woven with innovation and collaboration. The iconic superhero was co-created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and his inception can be traced back to the 1930s. In 1933, Siegel wrote a short story titled “The Reign of the Superman,” featuring a villainous character with psychic powers.

Over time, this concept evolved into the heroic figure we know today. In 1938, Superman made his first appearance in Action Comics #1, marking the dawn of the superhero genre and a transformative moment in popular culture. With his distinctive blue costume, red cape, and powerful abilities, Superman quickly captured the imagination of readers, offering them a symbol of hope and strength during a period of social and economic upheaval. The character’s immense popularity led to adaptations in various media, from radio shows and television series to movies and video games, solidifying Superman’s status as a cultural icon and a cornerstone of the superhero genre.

The success of Superman can be attributed to the synergy between Siegel and Shuster’s creative vision and the evolving tastes of their audience. Superman’s origin story as an infant sent from a dying planet to Earth, where he uses his extraordinary powers to protect humanity, resonated with readers during a time when the world was grappling with real-life challenges. The character’s various story arcs and reinterpretations over the years have allowed writers and artists to explore different aspects of his identity and the themes of justice, morality, and the struggle between good and evil. Superman’s enduring legacy not only paved the way for the superhero genre’s expansion but also set the standard for the creation of multi-dimensional comic book characters that audiences could connect with on a personal level.

The origin of the Superman comic offers a fascinating parallel to the founding of a startup, with several striking similarities in the journey of its creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and the process of launching a new business.

Siegel and Shuster had a groundbreaking idea for a new kind of hero—a “super” man. Much like startup founders, they saw a gap in the market and innovated to fill it. Startups often begin with a unique vision or a new way of solving a problem, just as Siegel and Shuster reimagined the hero archetype.

Struggles and Persistence

Before Superman became an icon, Siegel and Shuster faced numerous rejections. They pitched their idea to publishers and, turned down repeatedly, you can consider how this mirrors your struggle to gain initial traction while facing rejection from investors, customers, or partners. Persistence and belief in their vision were crucial for Siegel and Shuster, just as they are for startup founders.

Iteration and Adaptation

The character of Superman underwent several iterations before becoming the hero we recognize today. Siegel and Shuster refined their concept, adapting it based on feedback and their own evolving ideas. Startups, too, go through multiple iterations of their product or service, pivoting and refining based on market feedback and user needs.

Finding the Right Partners

Superman’s creators eventually found success by partnering with National Allied Publications (later DC Comics), which published the character in Action Comics #1. Finding the right partners, whether they be publishers, investors, or co-founders, is a crucial step for startups. The right partnership can provide the resources, distribution, and support needed to scale.

Intellectual Property and Ownership Challenges

One of the critical lessons from Siegel and Shuster’s story is the importance of understanding and securing intellectual property rights. They sold the rights to Superman to DC Comics for a relatively modest sum and spent years fighting for recognition and compensation. Similarly, startup founders must navigate the complexities of intellectual property, equity, and ownership to ensure they retain control and reap the rewards of their innovations.

Superman didn’t just succeed; he created an entire genre and had a lasting cultural impact – and this too parallels the notion that as a startup, you can’t just sell nor prove a solution to a problem but rather need to create a new category entirely. Successful startups can similarly disrupt industries, create new markets, and leave a lasting legacy. The impact of a startup, like that of Superman, can extend far beyond its initial product or service, influencing broader trends and inspiring future innovators.

A Planet Doomed / A New Way Forward

Superman’s own journey starts with his unique origin as an alien from Krypton. Despite being different from everyone around him, Clark Kent embraces his uniqueness and uses it to his advantage. Entrepreneurs often have unconventional backgrounds or ideas that set them apart from the norm. Instead of conforming, embracing what makes you unique can be a source of strength and innovation.

After being sent to Earth as a baby, Clark Kent has to adapt to an entirely new environment. He learns to balance his extraordinary abilities with the need to fit in as a human. Entrepreneurs, too, must adapt to ever-changing markets, technologies, and customer needs. Resilience in the face of adversity and the ability to pivot when necessary are crucial traits for success.

Clark’s upbringing by the Kents instills in him a strong moral compass and a sense of responsibility. He learns the importance of doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult. For entrepreneurs, maintaining ethical standards and a clear sense of purpose is essential. Success achieved without integrity is often short-lived, and having a strong ethical foundation can guide difficult decisions and build long-term trust with stakeholders.

Superman’s dual identity as Clark Kent and the Man of Steel highlights the challenge of balancing different roles. Entrepreneurs often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, from visionary leader to day-to-day operator. Finding a balance between these roles, much like Superman does, is key to managing the diverse demands of a startup.

Superman possesses immense power, but he uses it responsibly to help others. Entrepreneurs, especially successful ones, often find themselves in positions of influence. How they wield this power can define their legacy. Using one’s skills, resources, and influence to create positive change and support others in the ecosystem can amplify success beyond personal gain.

Despite his powers, Clark Kent often struggles with self-doubt and the fear of not belonging. This is a common theme for entrepreneurs who face the imposter syndrome and doubt their ability to succeed. Superman’s journey teaches that it’s okay to have doubts, but what matters is pushing through them and staying committed to your mission. How he found his way through that? A partner of his own, Lois Lane, with whom (*ahem*) he needed help bringing Superboy to life, a decent analogy for what it takes to bring your startup to life.

Superman’s story reinforces the importance of having a strong support network. The Kents, Lois Lane, and other allies provide emotional support, guidance, and sometimes a reality check. Entrepreneurs need a similar network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can offer support, advice, and encouragement during tough times.

Just as Superman was driven by a vision for a better world, Entrepreneurs, too, are driven by a vision of how their product, service, or idea can make the world a better place. Keep this vision at the forefront.

Lessons you might draw as an Entrepreneur

• Embrace Your Unique Background
• Be Adaptabilible and Resilient
• Maintain a Strong Moral Compass
• Balance Dual Identities
• Use Power Responsibly
• Overcoming Self-Doubt (Imposter Syndrome)
• Develop Support Networks
• Have a Vision for a Better Future

But Superman isn’t Coming

In my work, helping cities and ecosystems develop explicitly for startups, Superman should inspire and teach, but also offer a lesson in the fact that no one is coming to the rescue.

The hard truth is, no single savior is coming to fund you or solve your problems. The onus is on you to rise to the occasion, execute your vision, and drive your startup forward. However, even the greatest heroes don’t work alone—they form alliances, much like the Justice League. While your entrepreneurial journey requires you to be your own hero initially, the greatest challenges are overcome with the help of others.

Superman can teach us lessons about perseverance, ethics, and hope, but he alone cannot defeat every villain. Similarly, in the startup ecosystem, relying solely on yourself is not enough. The most successful entrepreneurs understand the power of collaboration and partnership. Finding the right team is critical to the support, expertise, and resources necessary. Entrepreneurship demands a proactive mindset, but it also requires building a network of allies who can offer diverse perspectives and skills. Identifying problems, devising solutions, and implementing them effectively often necessitates a team effort. Success in startups isn’t just a product of individual effort; it’s a result of strategic partnerships, shared vision, and collective determination.

In economic development, the importance of a strong network cannot be overstated. Building a sustainable business model, fostering community support, and leveraging local resources are all critical components that benefit from collaboration. It’s about creating value not just for yourself but for the broader ecosystem. Engaging with mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs is necessary if your community hopes to be taken seriously as meaningful to startups and venture capitalists.

Ultimately, pragmatism in startups and economic development means understanding that while the path to success starts with your own actions, it is paved by the collective efforts of your network. Form your own Justice League and tackle the greatest challenges… find a Lois Lane to get your Superboy off the ground. Keep in mind, Superman can’t do everything himself, and he isn’t really coming to save the day anyway.

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The Critical Role of Startup Mentors