During a major technology shift like AI, the most valuable initial opportunities are often the simplest. Founders should resist solving complex problems immediately and instead focus on the "low-hanging fruit." Defensibility can be built later, after capitalizing on the obvious, easy wins.

For large, potentially controversial projects, dedicate significant time upfront to meet every stakeholder group—from supporters to critics. By socializing the idea and framing its benefits for each party, you can build widespread support that preempts future opposition.

For highly complex and uncertain fields like wild animal welfare, avoid advocating for large, irreversible solutions. Instead, focus on small-scale, reversible actions that are plausibly beneficial (e.g., bird-safe glass). This approach allows for learning and builds momentum without risking catastrophic, unintended consequences.

Prioritize projects that promise significant impact but face minimal resistance. High-friction projects, even if impactful, drain energy on battles rather than building. The sweet spot is in areas most people don't see yet, thus avoiding pre-emptive opposition.

A company's grand social initiatives, like becoming a "green bank," lack credibility if it ignores immediate, solvable problems in its own backyard. Tackling a local issue first, like a trash-filled alley, builds authentic reputation and empowers employees for larger challenges.

A visionary founder must be willing to shelve their ultimate, long-term product vision if the market isn't ready. The pragmatic approach is to pivot to an immediate, tangible customer problem. This builds a foundational business and necessary ecosystem trust, paving the way to realize the grander vision in the future.

People rarely adopt a complex philosophy for its deepest virtues initially. They are drawn in by practical, accessible benefits like productivity or resilience. This strategy of using a simple entry point creates a funnel, allowing for the introduction of more profound and nuanced concepts to an already engaged audience over time.

New and controversial fields face a difficult trade-off. Excessive caution means delaying action and allowing existing harms to continue. However, reckless action risks implementing counterproductive policies that become entrenched and hard to reverse, damaging the field's credibility. The key is finding a middle path of deliberate, monitored action.

Richard Thaler realized he couldn't convince his established peers of behavioral economics' merits. Instead, he focused on 'corrupting the youth' by creating a summer camp for top graduate students and writing accessible journal articles. This new generation then populated top universities and changed the field from within.