Appear modestly but act ambitiously: Jason Modemann describes how founders can clearly formulate expectations without appearing arrogant. An underestimated success factor!
Modesty has an image problem: it is either seen as a virtue – or as a career hindrance. Anyone who takes it too seriously and holds back remains invisible. Anyone who takes them off quickly comes across as arrogant and arrogant. As a founder, the honest question arises: How do you combine modesty and ambition?
Unnecessary: Rolex and a big car
I can say for myself: I don’t need any big possessions, any status symbols like a Rolex or a big car. I also prefer to go backpacking with a few things in my luggage than on a luxury vacation.
And it is precisely this attitude that shapes my entrepreneurial thinking: I don’t make decisions based on ego or status. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, I don’t have to justify growth, I don’t have to stage successes to the outside world. That takes a lot of pressure off.
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But still hungry
At the same time, for me, modesty does not mean thinking small or remaining silent. I have a strong urge to push things and get the most out of them. I’m someone who doesn’t like to just follow the rules because that’s what you do.
For me, this is often playful: in a restaurant, for example, I almost always ask for the better seat or the larger portion. Not demanding, not arrogant – just open. I like interacting with people, asking questions, seeing what is possible.
Anyone who is quiet and grateful gives away opportunities
The same applies in business: When I get a speaking request, I say straight away that I would like to go to the main stage. Not because I think I’m automatically entitled to it. But because I learned: Clearly formulating expectations is not an ego trip, but rather efficient communication. Many don’t do that. They are grateful, quiet, reserved – but they also give away opportunities. Those who say what they want often give themselves a real advantage.
For me, the answer lies right here: You stay down to earth by being internally satisfied with little. And you don’t miss any opportunities by still saying what you want to the outside world. But the important thing is: it shouldn’t become compulsive. Anyone who expects more and more quickly loses their grip on the ground. Anyone who wants to squeeze an advantage out of every situation seems exhausting. Humility must remain the foundation – not silence.
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