Second Take Tuesday – Grit, Vision, Belief

Max Ahonen co-founded Dora, a canine wellness company developing non-invasive health monitoring technology for dogs — all while still figuring out what kind of man he’s becoming.

What struck me in this conversation wasn’t just Max’s ambition or product—it was the clarity he has about what matters: building something that works, with people who care, for a reason that’s bigger than status or money.

We talked about:

• Being invited to pitch on Shark Tank

• The quiet power of Sisu

• Leadership before certainty

• Balancing a startup with your humanity

• Why Europe needs to stop playing it safe

Max reminded me that self-belief isn’t loud. It’s not arrogance. It’s continuing, in spite of doubt.
And the best founders — like Max — build with that kind of belief.

Things I Learned from Max

• Sisu isn't flashy — it’s a decision. Keep showing up.

• Culture isn’t a side project. Your team is your company.

• Belief happens when you stop waiting for proof.

Your Weekly Nudge

If you're waiting for the fear to leave before you start… you’ll wait forever.
The bravest thing you can do is begin — with the fear still there.

Vision becomes reality through action, not certainty.
And belief? That’s built, one uncomfortable step at a time.

🎤 Next Week: I sit down with Sanna-Maria Siintoharju, triathlete, educator, and Finland’s first professor of regenerative thinking. We explore what it means to teach beyond the textbook, train for endurance in both body and mind, and reimagine education as a tool for healing—not just performance.

This conversation is about regenerating the way we think, live, and lead.

Thanks for reading Second Take Tuesday – Grit, Vision, Belief.
If it resonated, share it with someone navigating the tension between who they are and who they’re becoming.

See you next week,
Daniel