Growth thrives in uneasy conditions.
Like a tree facing strong winds, unsteady and bent, the pressure enables it to evolve robust and taller.
When facing challenges and new situations, we might have moments where we feel like impostors — the so-called imposter syndrome. In this Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life podcast episode, we talk with Dan Graham, who promptly points out that imposter syndrome is a common experience among successful people, motivating them to strive for greater heights. Describing it alongside our hosts, Dan, Leon, and Natalie, it is as if you’re faking it, but it’s a sign that you’re expanding your capabilities.
“Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a sign that you are changing into a much greater person than you were yesterday. You are working really hard to be someone you’re not, someone much bigger than yourself.” — Dan Graham
Imposter syndrome is a uniquely unsettling experience characterized by an internal struggle where you constantly doubt your abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud. It’s a nagging discomfort, an insistent voice telling you that you’re not good enough, that you don’t belong, and that it’s only a matter of time before everyone realizes it. In the throes of imposter syndrome, every achievement feels unearned, and every mistake confirms your inadequacy.
Yet, there’s a paradoxical silver lining to this discomfort. The very feelings that cause so much distress can also be powerful motivators. In your quest to dispel the notion that you’re an imposter, you push yourself to new heights, learn more, and refine your skills. You set higher standards and strive to exceed them, often achieving far more than you would have without that internal pressure. Over time, without even realizing it, the constant drive to improve can transform you. The discomfort that once seemed like a curse becomes a catalyst for growth. It’s a strange and almost poetic reality that the very things that hurt us can sometimes be our greatest assets.
On the other hand, some things cannot be tamed with time alone. Take anxiety, for example. The more you ignore it, the more it spreads, gradually eroding parts of you that you once cherished. Dan Graham vividly describes this experience:
“I grew up suffering from anxiety, and about 2011, I got on medication for it. And what I thought had just been social anxiety, I realized had been this much deeper anxiety that kind of like was a light switch went away when I started taking meds. And suddenly doing things like networking was really easy, whereas it had been really hard for me before.”
To each one, their own path. The anxiety of reaching a specific goal can be the best motivator for some, while it may not be for others. Graham notes, “I think it’s hard to be categorical about it. I think it really depends on who the person is and what motivates them and how they like to work. What it is that they’re trying to learn, what kind of job they’re trying to get.”
Each individual must find their own way. Different paths, whether through traditional education or alternative certifications, should be tailored to fit each person’s unique needs and circumstances. But how do you push through the noise trapped in your head? Look for help and guidance, and get it out of your head! That is when mentorship comes in and helps you find your way of placing order in your journey.
Dan Graham emphasizes the importance of mentorship, stating, “Growing a business is really hard and really lonely… The best way to learn what’s coming and to work through challenges is to find others who have done it before or peers who are doing it concurrently and network with them and spend time building those relationships.”
Mentorship and networking are not just tools for professional growth but are fundamental aspects of building a successful and fulfilling career. As underscored by our hosts and mentors, the value of community and intentionality in these endeavors emphasizes that genuine connections and learning from others are vital to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success.
To this day, Graham is actively involved in mentoring young professionals and founders, helping them navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.
He grew up in Austin, Texas, and attended the University of Texas, where he earned undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Philosophy, followed by a law degree.
While in law school, Dan started engaging in entrepreneurial activities, working on programming projects and developing websites. During this time, he stumbled upon an opportunity in the custom printing space. Together with friends, Dan launched BuildASign.com, a company that created a Photoshop-style tool for custom printing products. Despite the initial challenges and late nights, the business took off.
Dan grew BuildASign.com into a successful company, eventually selling it to Vistaprint in 2018. This transaction was life-changing for him and his family. Following the sale of BuildASign.com, Dan and his wife Lisa founded Notley, a family office focused on philanthropy and investing in impact-driven businesses and traditional ventures.
Listen to Ep 2 of Uncharted with Dan Graham here.
Dan Graham co-founded BuildASign.com while in law school, growing it into a successful company sold to Vistaprint in 2018. He then founded Notley with his wife, focusing on philanthropy and investments. Dan is also dedicated to mentoring young professionals and founders.
Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program
Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.
Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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