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There is something indefinable in an entrepreneur, and I…

“There is something indefinable in an entrepreneur, and I saw that in Steve," he said. " He was interested not just in engineering, but also the business aspects. I taught him that if you act like you can do something, then it will work. I told him, " Pretend to be completely in control and people…” quote by Walter Isaacson
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““There is something indefinable in an entrepreneur, and I saw that in Steve," he said. " He was interested not just in engineering, but also the business aspects. I taught him that if you act like you can do something, then it will work. I told him, " Pretend to be completely in control and people will assume that you are.””

Walter Isaacson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Confidence and perceived control can influence outcomes; acting as if you are in charge encourages others to trust you.

In simple terms: Acting confident can make success more likely.

Key Takeaway

Project confidence to inspire trust.

Themes

leadership psychology entrepreneurship

Mood

motivational cautious pragmatic

Type

advice inspirational

When to use this quote

  • business meetings
  • team leadership
  • public speaking
  • startup pitches

Key Concepts

self‑efficacy impression management mindset

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does confidence become hubris?
  • How can you balance humility with assertiveness?
A Different Perspective

Overconfidence may lead to reckless decisions.

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