Founder of Travel Startup Citycatt Shares Their Top Insights

Lizia Santos, co-founder of Citycatt.

Any entrepreneur can tell you, launching a startup is a learning process. Therefore, one of the best things you can do prior to launching a startup of your own is to learn from those who have blazed the trail. We were fortunate enough to hear some valuable insights during our interview with Lizia Santos of Citycatt that will inspire, motivate, and teach aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. 

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

“The journey ahead is brutal. If you don't pursue something you're truly passionate about, you'll probably be tempted to give up sooner than later. Reflect on the ‘why,’ so you connect the dots of what your business is about with what you are about. After all, who the founder is has everything to do with where your business will be. Only if you're true to yourself, [will] your vision for your business be clear, and people will follow you anywhere.”

What is your advice for entrepreneurs in your industry specifically?

“If the hospitality industry was volatile before, after a pandemic, it became clear it can all go from 100 to 0 really quick. Focusing on ‘established’ business models will only set you up for failure when things go outside of normal. Also, technology and advancements need to work for humans and not the [other] way around. At the end of the day, traveling is about connections, and the industry won't achieve this if it isn't in a constant listening state of mind, learning straight from people what they need and want.”

What is your advice for coming up with a unique startup idea?

“Listening, listening, and listening. People are ALWAYS expressing concerns and frustrations. If you listen, the idea will certainly come.”

What is your advice for overcoming challenges and failure?

“There is always a way out if you're willing to think outside of the box and sometimes take the hit. Falling sometimes is necessary so you can see things from another perspective, and that might be exactly the pivot you need. It's all part of your story, embrace it!”

What is the biggest lesson you learned and what can aspiring entrepreneurs take from it?

“It all begins with you and who you are. But it won't go forward if you don't share the gift with others, inspiring people to join your team and be what you can't be. Surround yourself with people that make up for your weaknesses and that think like you, buying your vision and willing to dream together with you!”

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