An Ode to Simplicity
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Simplicity: my ultimate performance indicator. If it’s not simple, it doesn’t exist — at least not yet. Complexity is a sign of immaturity. In the end, everything that lasts, everything that truly impacts the world, draws its strength from simplicity.
But let’s start with the basics.
Entrepreneurship Is About Simplifying the Impossible
What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? It means taking a complex problem, a source of friction, and transforming it into a solution so simple it becomes indispensable.
This is the essence of the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) philosophy. As Eric Ries, its creator, put it: “A minimum viable product is not the smallest product you can build, but the simplest way to create maximum value for your customer with minimal effort.”
The perfect example? The iPhone. When Steve Jobs introduced it in 2007, he distilled its essence into one sentence: “We’re putting an iPod, a phone, and an Internet communicator into one device.” That was it. Yet behind this simplicity lay a technological revolution.
This process of simplification is what sets entrepreneurs apart from researchers. Researchers often chase technical perfection, sometimes at the expense of simplicity. But history proves it’s not complexity that changes the world — it’s simplicity in action.
Why Is Simplicity Essential?
Simplicity makes the complex accessible. It allows you to convince, to reassure, and to convey a clear vision. As Einstein said: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
He wasn’t wrong. A McKinsey study revealed that 70% of consumers prefer brands that communicate their value proposition clearly. Why? Because clarity builds trust. And trust is the currency of entrepreneurship.
As an entrepreneur, your first job is to convince — investors, customers, partners. To do that, you need to make the opaque crystal clear. That’s how you turn complexity into a solution that feels simple.
Simplicity Is Every Leader’s Superpower
But don’t think simplicity is only for entrepreneurs. Every leader needs to master the art of simplifying. According to Deloitte, leaders who communicate with clarity see a 25% boost in team engagement.
I’ve made simplicity my discipline. Before any pitch, presentation, or speech, I take the time to clarify and streamline my thoughts. Why? Because clarity is a weapon. It reassures, it persuades, it inspires.
This newsletter, BrainInvest, is a perfect example. It forces me to organize my thoughts and make them accessible. And this habit not only makes me better, but it also (hopefully) helps spark your reflections too.
Simplicity ≠ Simplism
Let’s be clear: simplicity is not the same as simplism. Far from it.
Look at the most innovative products. Take OpenAI’s cutting-edge algorithms. Behind the simplicity of a chatbot answering your questions lies a mind-blowing architecture of billions of parameters running on supercomputers. Yet for the user, it feels fluid, intuitive — simple.
Gartner found that products perceived as simpler to use are 50% more likely to succeed in the market. That’s why your mission is to marry depth with simplicity. It’s a delicate balance but an essential one.
And if you need fresh eyes on your project, someone who excels at simplifying without sacrificing depth, I highly recommend Paul Terrasson Duvernon. He’s a true master of this craft.
Remember: to simplify is to amplify. Now go out there, simplify, and conquer!
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