A Discussion with Jason Nazar of DocStoc

“If we remain humble and hungry, we can win.”

— Dave Allison

I conduct a monthly breakfast series for technology CEOs at my office. I usually keep it to about 10 people. The purpose is to help build the Southern California tech community, provide networking opportunities for a group of CEOs in a personal setting, and discuss an important, relevant topic in detail.

The speaker for a previous meeting was one of my most favorite people in the tech community, Jason Nazar, founder & CEO of DocStoc. He is one of those individuals that despite his tremendous success is incredibly accessible, humble, and genuine. He will always ask how he can help you, and more importantly, he means it and will follow through with every promise he makes. 

He also happens to have built a tremendous company in a very short period of time. DocStoc is now one of the 250 most popular sites on the Internet. That is a very big accomplishment considering the millions of Web sites on the Internet. So the subject we discussed was driving traffic to your site. A very important topic, obviously. But what was most amazing was Jason’s humility, demeanor, analytical mind, and his genuine interest in trying to make sure everyone in the room has learned what they came to learn. We should all have friends like Jason.

Through my career I have met many an entrepreneur who has not handled success well. It reminds me of Golda Meir famous quote, “Don't be humble... you're not that great.” But there are those who have earned their battle scars, and understand what Julius Caesar said, “Experience is the teacher of all things.”

In my lectures or dealings with younger entrepreneurs, I always say, do not worry about failing; you can always come back from that. Worry about handling success. As Confucius said, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

And of course, above all, we can’t change our attitude as we begin to experience success. We must continue to work hard, contribute to the community, and remain humble. There is always someone more successful, wealthier, and more determined. Napoleon Bonaparte’s words still resonate today, “The truest wisdom is a resolute determination.”

Note: Photo source jasonnazar.com.