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Travis Kalanick, co-founder of Uber, didn’t hold back when addressing the popular mantra "fake it till you make it." For him, it’s not just bad advice—it’s a recipe for personal and professional disaster. Here's why he believes authenticity and hustle are the real keys to success.
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Why "Faking It" Fails
Kalanick argues that "fake it till you make it" isn’t a sustainable approach. Living a lie leads to internal stress and eventually burns you out. He explains this vividly, saying prolonged deceit can make life unbearable, even to the point where waking up becomes a challenge. "If you fake it long enough, you’re going to start sleeping 14 hours a night because you can’t face the day," he says.
This philosophy highlights how pretending to be someone or something you’re not can lead to a disconnect between your actions and values. Over time, the toll on mental health is inevitable.
The Root Problem: Insecurity and Fear
Kalanick believes the allure of "faking it" comes from insecurity and fear. Entrepreneurs might adopt this mindset because they’re scared of failure or don’t feel ready. But instead of pretending, he advises tackling fear head-on with genuine effort and relentless hustle. For Kalanick, hustle isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the antidote to insecurity and the cornerstone of authentic growth.
Hustle: The True Path to Success
Rather than pretending to be further along than you are, Kalanick encourages people to focus on action. Whether it’s grinding to learn new skills, connecting with mentors, or refining a product, hustling is the strategy that leads to real success.
A practical example comes from Kalanick’s own journey with Uber. Early on, he faced countless challenges, from regulatory hurdles to fierce competition. Instead of faking confidence, he doubled down on problem-solving, building trust with investors, and delivering results. This approach helped Uber grow into a global powerhouse.
A Case Study in Authentic Hustle
Take Spanx founder Sara Blakely, for instance. Instead of faking expertise in the fashion world, she openly admitted her lack of experience but poured her energy into prototyping her product and directly pitching it to department stores. Her genuine hustle, paired with an authentic story, resonated with buyers and investors.
The Long-Term Value of Authenticity
Ultimately, Kalanick’s rejection of "fake it till you make it" is a call to embrace authenticity. Pretending might give you a temporary confidence boost, but building real credibility through effort and results creates lasting success.
For entrepreneurs, this message is clear: skip the act, roll up your sleeves, and tackle the challenges head-on. As Kalanick puts it, “If you’re afraid, go hustle—it will solve your problems.”
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