A successful project is not merely an idea — it is a combination of skills that enable its realization. How should one think, act, and scale effectively to avoid failure in the early stages?

Today, Akmal Paiziev shares his insights — a seasoned entrepreneur who has repeatedly demonstrated that ambition, coupled with a strategic approach, leads to success. His track record includes Yarmarka.uz, Newmax Technologies, Workly.io, MyTaxi, Express24, and IMPACT.T Technology Hub — ventures that have transformed markets. Currently, Akmal is based in Palo Alto, California, where he is developing the startup Numeo.ai.      

For reference, Numeo is an AI-driven logistics solution designed to eliminate unnecessary routine. The startup automates order processing, aggregates offers from various platforms, and autonomously notifies brokers. Faster, simpler, and more efficient — this is the future of logistics.  
In our discussion with Akmal, we explored how to launch a business and sidestep the common pitfalls that novices encounter. Why do some startups thrive while others remain stuck in the realm of dreams?  

The answer lies not in luck but in mastering specific skills that are critical for a business to succeed. A startup founder is both a leader and a visionary — someone who envisions the project’s success and guides the team toward that goal. Based on my own experience, I have identified five key skills that have been crucial in my journey, and I firmly believe they will benefit those just starting theirs:

1.    Strategic Thinking — The ability to understand the market, foresee opportunities, and develop a long-term strategy.
2.    Adaptability — The capacity to test hypotheses, adjust tactics, and swiftly respond to changes. 
3.    Salesmanship — The skill to pitch a product effectively, negotiate with clients, partners, and investors.
4.    Leadership — The ability to inspire, assemble a strong team, and delegate wisely. 
5.    Financial Literacy — The understanding of unit economics and the management of cash flows.

Without these skills, a startup is destined to falter, as, in its early stages, everything hinges on the founder. 

Are These Skills Cultivatable, or Are They Innate to Founders?

Without a doubt, these skills can — and should — be developed. While some individuals may naturally possess certain abilities, such as strong negotiation skills, even innate talent remains ineffective without practice. For instance, I initially identified as an introvert, but entrepreneurship compelled me to master the art of selling and negotiation.  

Sales proficiency can be refined through direct engagement with clients and active participation in negotiations.

Financial literacy is cultivated through managing financial records and analyzing past mistakes.

Leadership skills are developed by working closely with people, understanding their motivations, and effectively delegating responsibilities. 

How to Accelerate Personal Growth: Books, Courses, or Real-World Experience?  

The optimal strategy is a combination of all three.

1.    Experience — Mistakes often provide the most valuable lessons. Without taking action, it is impossible to identify weaknesses. 
2.    Books — Gain insights from those who have already navigated similar challenges. I highly recommend the following titles: The Lean Startup, Zero to One, and The Hard Thing About Hard Things. 
3.    Courses and Mentorship — These resources help structure knowledge and provide guidance to avoid common pitfalls. 
However, the most critical factor is not to get stuck in the learning phase. You can read dozens of books, but without practice, it won’t yield significant results. It’s crucial to apply the knowledge and skills you gain in real-world scenarios. 

Common Mistakes Made by Beginners

1.    Developing a product without validating market demand — Spending months developing a product, only to discover that there is no market need for it. Perhaps the market is unready, or the problem is addressed differently. Validating the idea early through customer feedback can save significant time, effort, and resources.

In one of my projects, we devoted an extensive period to product development without conducting customer tests. Upon launching, we realized that users’ needs were slightly different from what we had anticipated. This oversight cost us valuable time and resources. 

2.    Underestimating the Importance of Sales — Without sales, even the most exceptional product will remain unnoticed. A groundbreaking solution with the potential to transform the market and attract millions of users may never achieve its full potential if the sales process is poorly structured. 

3.    Burning out at the start — Overworking without breaks quickly erodes motivation. Startups demand speed in decision-making, market entry, testing, and adaptation. However, the team must operate in a comfortable environment to maintain momentum.  

Personal Experience: What I Wish I Had Known at the Beginning 

If I could turn back time, here is the advice I would give myself:

1.    Launch sooner. Do not wait for the perfect moment — test hypotheses immediately. 
2.    Product is 10%, sales are 90%. Start learning how to sell from day one.
3.    Burnout is real. Develop the ability to rest, or you will not last long.
4.    Listen to customers, not just your intuition. They will tell you what they truly need.
5.    Team Over Idea.  Even the best concept will fail without the right people. 

Mistakes are inevitable, but the key lies in learning from them and continuing to move forward. There is no perfect formula for success or a magic solution. What truly matters is your ability to navigate challenges, and turn them into advantages.