How I Became A Founder: Omneky’s Hikari Senju - The No. 1 Predictor Of Career Success According To Network Science

How I Became A Founder: Omneky’s Hikari Senju - The No. 1 Predictor Of Career Success According To Network Science

In the world of technology, innovation is key. The constant change, independence, and comradery that come with being at the forefront of societal change are what drew me to this field. I studied computer science and attended events organized by Peter, where I met other like-minded students who would later become the core of my network of founders. Little did I know that these connections would play a crucial role in my journey as a founder.

Shortly after leaving my previous job at Yup, I was fortunate enough to receive my first investment from Village Global. This incubator provided support and guidance for the first six months of my company, Omneky. One of the most valuable aspects of Village Global was the weekly dinners they organized with other portfolio companies. These dinners served as a platform for us to discuss challenges and share our learnings. It truly takes a community to build a successful company, and Village Global played a vital role in getting Omneky off the ground.

As a founder, I believe in the power of knowledge. I read extensively and constantly seek to expand my understanding of various subjects. This thirst for knowledge has led me to create a reading list that I regularly update and share with others. (Note: You can find my reading list here: [insert link]).

One common obstacle that many aspiring founders face is the financial aspect of starting a company. It can be challenging to take the risk of starting a company when you need a consistent income to support yourself or your family. This is where access to capital becomes crucial. Increasing access to capital allows more people to take the leap and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

In the realm of career success, network science has uncovered an interesting finding. According to multiple peer-reviewed studies, simply being part of an open network, as opposed to a closed one, is the best predictor of career success. (Note: This makes sense. An open network brings new perspectives, deepens one's understanding, and allows for the generation of new ideas).

By being in an open network, individuals gain a more accurate view of the world. They have the ability to pull information from diverse clusters, effectively canceling out errors. Research by Philip Tetlock has shown that people with open networks are better forecasters than those with closed networks.

Being part of an open network also allows individuals to serve as translators or connectors between different groups. They can create value by acting as intermediaries, connecting two people or organizations that can mutually benefit from each other. The top-performing studies in various fields consistently had references that were 90% conventional and 10% atypical, pulling from other fields. This ability to create atypical combinations is a hallmark of those with open networks.

In the words of Steve Jobs, "Creativity is just connecting things." When we ask creative people how they came up with their ideas, they often feel a sense of guilt because they didn't really "do" anything. They simply saw something and made connections. The broader our understanding of the human experience, the better our designs will be.

As we navigate our own journeys, it is important to remember that we can all be heroes. It may take a leap of faith to follow our hearts and curiosity into unknown worlds, but it is in these unknowns that we often find our greatest successes. As Steve Jobs wisely said, "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future."

In conclusion, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Cultivate an open network: Surround yourself with diverse perspectives and actively seek out connections with people from different backgrounds and industries. This will deepen your understanding and allow for the creation of unique ideas.

• 2. Seek out incubators and communities: Building a successful company takes a community. Look for opportunities to join incubators or communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals, share challenges, and learn from each other.

• 3. Embrace a thirst for knowledge: Read extensively and continuously seek to expand your understanding. Create a reading list and share it with others to foster a culture of knowledge-sharing.

Remember, success is not achieved in isolation. It is through connections, knowledge, and a willingness to take risks that we can truly make a difference in our chosen fields. So go forth, connect the dots, and trust that they will lead you to a bright future.