Evan Spiegel Advocates for Creativity in Entrepreneurship
In a recent episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel shared insights on the essential qualities for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting creativity as a pivotal trait. At just 34 years old, Spiegel believes that embracing creativity is vital, particularly in today’s AI-driven landscape.
The Creativity Imperative
“I think one of the most important things today is really nurturing creativity,” Spiegel stated during his conversation with host Steven Bartlett. He described creativity as the “X factor” that can significantly influence success in the current technological era.
Rediscovering Inherent Creativity
According to Spiegel, everyone is born with creative potential, but societal pressures can often suppress this ability over time. “We’re all born creative,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of practicing and expressing this talent rather than allowing fear to hinder it.
Methods to Foster Creativity
Spiegel encourages exploring various creative outlets as a means to enhance one’s imaginative skills. He cited his 14-year-old son, Flynn, who enjoys drawing despite not planning a career in the arts. Spiegel underscored that such pursuits are valuable for their ability to stimulate creativity and allow individuals to visualize concepts in unique ways. “Drawing is one way, one tool, one skill, that he can use to express what’s in his brain,” he remarked.
A Brief Look at Snap’s Journey
Co-founded in 2011 while Spiegel was studying product design at Stanford, Snapchat has evolved significantly over the years. He left university in 2012 to dedicate himself fully to the platform, transforming it into a multi-billion dollar business. In 2016, the company rebranded as Snap to reflect its diversification into products like video-enabled sunglasses.
Company Growth and Challenges
Snap went public in March 2017, launching with a market capitalization of approximately $33 billion, comparable to major corporations like Marriott and Target. As of the latest reports, the company’s market cap has adjusted to roughly $16 billion, akin to brands like Best Buy and Domino’s. Despite fluctuations in market valuation, Snap continues to expand its user base, with daily active users rising by 9% year-over-year to reach 453 million.
Conclusion
As the entrepreneurial landscape grows increasingly competitive, Evan Spiegel’s advocacy for creativity serves as a reminder of its importance. By embracing creative expression, both new and seasoned entrepreneurs can cultivate the innovative mindset necessary to thrive in an evolving digital world.
