"How Do You Know When to Pivot?" Here's What 13 Businesses Actually Did
Shopify Masters · with Catherine Getzi, Melanie Bender, Jing Gao, AC Hampton, Melissa Palmer, Kevin Chaun, Jin Chaun · May 28, 2026 · 24 min
Summary
This episode features 13 founders discussing the critical moments they had to pivot their businesses. It emphasizes that fear can be a signal for opportunities, and that staying adaptable and listening to your intuition are crucial for long-term success. The episode challenges the notion of "fail fast" and instead promotes "fail and move forward," highlighting that what seems like a setback can be the biggest gift for learning and growth.
Key takeaways
Listen to your gut: Your intuition can be a powerful compass. Create space away from distractions to hear your own thoughts and identify what truly aligns with your goals.
Differentiate fear from excitement: Fear often signals potential. If your heart is racing, discern if it's the risk of pain (true fear) or the risk of potential (excitement) to make informed decisions.
Be willing to let go of successful initiatives: Sometimes, cutting a profitable product line is necessary to maintain focus on your core business and optimize for better margins and long-term strategy.
Stay on the front lines and embrace continuous change: Adaptability is key in a rapidly evolving market. Actively seek out and understand new trends and technologies (like AI) to avoid becoming obsolete, rather than waiting for change to force your hand.
Reframe failure as a gift: Instead of viewing failures as setbacks, see them as invaluable learning experiences that prepare you for future successes. Don't be afraid to walk away from something that isn't working to pursue the next opportunity.
Founders of thirteen businesses building on Shopify share how they navigate the pivot—when to leap, when to walk away, and how to tell fear from excitement. Insights from the founders of LORE, Fly By Jing, OSEA, Loftie, Avocado Green, and more.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Listen to your gut: Your intuition can be a powerful compass. Create space away from distractions to hear your own thoughts and identify what truly aligns with your goals.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Differentiate fear from excitement: Fear often signals potential. If your heart is racing, discern if it's the risk of pain (true fear) or the risk of potential (excitement) to make informed decisions.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Be willing to let go of successful initiatives: Sometimes, cutting a profitable product line is necessary to maintain focus on your core business and optimize for better margins and long-term strategy.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Stay on the front lines and embrace continuous change: Adaptability is key in a rapidly evolving market. Actively seek out and understand new trends and technologies (like AI) to avoid becoming obsolete, rather than waiting for change to force your hand.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Reframe failure as a gift: Instead of viewing failures as setbacks, see them as invaluable learning experiences that prepare you for future successes. Don't be afraid to walk away from something that isn't working to pursue the next opportunity.
