A Church for Startups: Reflecting on Growth and Impact

Last Thursday, I spent some time with the Boston Lean Startup Circle. It felt like stepping into a space of shared energy and purpose, what a colleague once called “church for startups.” The phrase stuck with me because that is exactly what it feels like, a place to pause, reflect, and realign with the principles that guide us as entrepreneurs.

This particular evening, Austin and Cheryl from Pinyadda shared their journey of practicing Customer Development. For months, they have been navigating the ups and downs of listening to users, iterating on their product, and figuring out what really matters. Hearing their story made me think about how growth is never linear. It is messy and uncertain, but the real transformation happens in that space.

I have seen firsthand how focusing on people and feedback can unlock potential in ways you do not expect. When you truly listen, you start to see your product differently, your team differently, and even yourself differently. Growth is not just about hitting milestones; it is about those small, practical wins that slowly shift your perspective and build confidence.

At Pinyadda, Austin and Cheryl shared tough lessons about what it means to put their users first. Their candid stories about missteps and breakthroughs reminded me why this work matters. It is not just about building a product; it is about creating something that resonates with real people and solves real problems.

As the famous quote by Richard Branson goes,
“Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This perfectly encapsulates the nature of startups—there will always be setbacks, but with each one, there’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and get closer to the right solution.

For me, these moments of shared learning are not just good for business; they are good for the soul. Whether it is through coaching, collaboration, or swapping stories with other entrepreneurs, the connection reminds me that we are all in this together.

If you are curious about how Customer Development can make a difference in your journey, come join us at the next meeting in April. It is another opportunity to learn, grow, and see things in a new light. Feel free to reach out if you would like to hear more about building teams or products that empower people.