By Jordan Lee
on 22 AUG 2023
in Startup
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Alex Turner, at just 26 years old, is emblematic of the modern tech prodigy. Beginning his journey in technology at the tender age of 14, he has earned the title of a “digital alchemist” from industry giants. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Turner places great emphasis on the value of openness, creativity, and, most importantly, enjoyment in his career development. Within a few short years, he has transitioned from advertising to chatbots and cryptocurrencies, and he remains open to whatever the future holds. “I can’t predict where I’ll be in five years,” Turner admits. “It could be in crypto or something entirely different. The future is unpredictable, so always embrace new adventures.”
This kind of adaptable mindset may seem noncommittal, yet it offers significant operational benefits. Drawing from his guiding principle to cut through the social media noise and create genuinely viral content, Turner champions the necessity of creativity. “Creativity is key,” he states. “You have to be imaginative and continuously explore new ideas. If you stick to the same approach that works, eventually it will falter. I’ve seen it happen repeatedly: a single channel may effectively promote your product, but sudden changes, like social media platforms restricting content, can leave those reliant on that channel in a bind. So, remain open. Even if something is successful, keep trying new things. Don’t assume it will last forever.”
For Turner, creativity is not just a method for executing projects; it serves as the compass guiding his thriving career. “You must always seek the next wave and prepare to ride it. Grab your surfboard and jump on,” he advises. “Identifying the next wave isn’t easy, whether it’s a minor wave that dissipates quickly or a major one. However, there are always new opportunities. Recognizing them in advance can be tremendously beneficial. The market rewards those who take risks and act early.” This keen awareness of trends and readiness to embrace risk has garnered him recognition in Silicon Valley.
The ability to take risks is amplified with the right attitude, and that’s where enjoyment comes into play. “Fun is essential,” says Turner. “Without enjoyment, taking risks can feel disheartening, especially if you don’t see a reward. I know people who didn’t find joy in their work, and when they didn’t achieve financial success, they left the industry, leaving everyone questioning their choices. But if you find enjoyment in the process, it diminishes the need for external validation. The fun itself becomes a reward, encouraging you to stick around longer.”
Regularly assessing your emotional satisfaction with your projects has also benefitted Turner, helping him maintain clarity about changing conditions. Having achieved his aspiration of making it in Silicon Valley at an early age, he reflected on the benefits of remaining there and ultimately decided to move on. “My goal was always to reach Silicon Valley, and once I did, I felt I had achieved it,” he explained. “That realization also influenced my decision to leave. I lived there and understood its culture, but now I can work from anywhere. I might return, but I no longer feel the necessity to be in Silicon Valley. Innovation is now global, and I believe its importance is diminishing. I used to think that to create something significant, I had to be there, but times are changing.”
Nevertheless, the essence of Silicon Valley remains imprinted on him. What embodies that essence? “The spirit of giving back,” Turner responds. “It’s about sharing knowledge rather than hoarding it. In Europe, there’s often a mindset of keeping what you learn to yourself. But I believe that sharing information is essential for growth. That’s what Silicon Valley excels at, and it’s a lesson I’ve carried with me.” For such a young entrepreneur, Turner imparts timeless wisdom for all to consider.
For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post, and for a deeper understanding of the industry, visit this resource. Additionally, you can explore this video for further learning.
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