One of the most frequent questions I receive from startup founders is, “What’s the number one piece of advice you would give me?” My answer always revolves around a fundamental principle: the most important thing for any startup, business, or company is to hire the best people.
While this sounds simple, executing it is far from easy. There are numerous factors and challenges that make hiring a critical yet complex task. But for now, let’s explore just one aspect of it, inspired by a timeless story from the 1970s about the renowned advertising firm, Ogilvy.
The Ogilvy Story: A Lesson from David Ogilvy
David Ogilvy, the founder of the legendary agency Ogilvy & Mather, faced a serious challenge as his company grew through mergers and acquisitions. The firm was expanding rapidly, and Ogilvy became concerned that many of the senior people in the company were no longer hired directly by him. He felt disconnected from the talent shaping the future of his agency.
Instead of sending a memo, holding a town hall, or delivering a speech, Ogilvy chose a symbolic gesture. One day, when the senior team arrived to meet with him, they didn’t find him in the room. Instead, on each of their tables was a Russian matryoshka doll, also known as a nested doll. As they opened the dolls one by one, they eventually reached the smallest doll, inside which was a piece of paper that read: “If each of you hires people greater than you, we will be a company of giants.”
That simple but profound message became a guiding principle for Ogilvy and helped the agency recruit some of the most brilliant minds in advertising over the following decades.
My Personal Experience as a Founder
The lesson of hiring people greater than yourself isn’t just for large corporations; it’s equally essential for startups and small businesses. When I started my own company nearly 30 years ago, I was running a personal consulting business. The first person I hired was an accountant—let’s call her Lady M—who was about five to six years older than me. I was nervous about interviewing her because I had never conducted an interview before. However, I summoned the courage, went through with it, and ended up hiring her.
As the company grew, I continued to hire engineers and specialists, many of whom were significantly older and more experienced than I was. In fact, within a year or two, I was hiring project managers who were in their 40s—nearly double my age. It was intimidating, but I kept the interviews simple, focusing on their credentials and how well they fit the role. This approach helped my company thrive.
If I had restricted myself to hiring only freshers or people with less experience than me, my business wouldn’t have been able to grow at the pace it did.
Why You Should Hire People Greater Than You
For startup founders, it’s crucial to hire the best talent available, regardless of where you are in your entrepreneurial journey. Hiring people who are more experienced, skilled, or knowledgeable than you may seem intimidating, but it’s essential for your company’s growth. These people will bring in fresh perspectives, skills, and expertise that can take your business to the next level.
David Ogilvy’s wisdom holds true for all entrepreneurs: if you consistently hire people who are better than you, your company will be built by giants.
So, next time you’re hiring, don’t look for someone you can easily manage—look for someone who will challenge you and help your company excel. Always hire the best people.
