Former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick took the stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 on Wednesday to discuss the challenges facing individuals who want to disrupt something – both within and outside of the tech world.
The Challenges of Disruption
One of the biggest hurdles that you will likely encounter when attempting to disrupt something, or doing something you’re passionate about which ends up disrupting something in the process, is resistance. There will be difficult times, and during those periods, it’s essential to have people who can support and lean on, giving you endurance.
Kaepernick is no stranger to disrupting the status quo. In 2016, he made national headlines when he took a knee to protest racial injustice. The former NFL star claims that while he faced significant resistance, he also witnessed a push towards creating a more equitable future.
Finding Perspective and Insight
"When you do something like this and see such a strong response to it, it really gives you perspective and insight," Kaepernick said. "We have such a long way to go." However, the other aspect that he learned during this period is that there are many people who want to join him on this journey.
Empowering Creators with Lumi
As someone who has had thousands of stories written about him, Kaepernick now wants to help creators take control of their narratives with Lumi. The startup aims to empower creators by helping them independently create and publish stories and content.
Advice for Founders Looking to Disrupt
For founders looking to disrupt and explore their passions, Kaepernick offered a few words of advice:
- Do your homework: Understand why you’re doing what you’re doing.
- Go after it passionately: Pursue your goal with everything you have.
- Bring people with you: Surround yourself with people who can support and help you.
According to Kaepernick, having people around him has been crucial in his journey. It’s not just about individual success but also about building a community that can sustain the long-term efforts of disrupting something.
Conclusion
Kaepernick’s talk at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 highlighted the importance of perseverance and community support when it comes to disrupting the status quo. As the tech industry continues to evolve, Kaepernick’s message serves as a reminder that creating change requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to surround oneself with like-minded individuals.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: A Platform for Innovation and Disruption
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 has begun, bringing together hundreds of speakers, exhibitors, and attendees from the tech industry. The event provides a platform for innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to share their ideas, showcase their products, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Related Stories
- Reusable rocket startup Stoke raised another massive round: $260M: This article highlights the growth of the space industry and the innovative companies leading the charge.
- Media & Entertainment These tech companies are donating to LA wildfire relief efforts: Aisha Malik’s report on TechCrunch showcases the impact of technology on social causes and disaster relief.
Stay Up-to-Date with TechCrunch Daily News
Subscribe to TechCrunch Daily News for the latest updates on the tech industry. Each weekday and Sunday, you’ll receive a summary of the most significant news and trends shaping the world of technology.
About the Author
Aisha Malik is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch. Prior to joining the publication in 2021, she was a telecom reporter at MobileSyrup. Aisha holds an honours bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University.
Related Topics
- colin kaepernick
- lumi
- Media & Entertainment
- Startups
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2024