MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Cognitive Adaptability

Present a new concept that challenges the norm—invite discussion, not instant agreement.

Switch roles in a brainstorming session—see your startup through a teammate’s perspective.

Do something this week that stretches you intellectually—then reflect on what you learned.

Pick a topic you know well and explain it as if to an investor—clarity sharpens thinking.

Offer a “yes, and” response in disagreement—build constructively on others’ ideas.

Ask your team to challenge your thinking—respond with curiosity and clarifying questions.

Emotional Adaptability

When caught off guard in a pitch, pause five seconds before replying—reset your presence.

Choose calm in your next frustrating exchange—respond slowly and with empathy.

Share how you feel in a founder group using “I feel… because…”—model constructive honesty.

Revisit a dropped idea with calmer eyes—pick it back up and test it again.

Role-play a difficult investor or client conversation—practice openness over defense.

Delay responding to critical feedback by thirty minutes—reset before replying.

Behavioral Adaptability

At your next challenge, act as if you were an advisor—how would a mentor approach it?

Speak up once in a meeting where you’d normally stay quiet—share one thoughtful input.

Modify your approach with someone difficult—choose curiosity over control.

Try solving a problem with a completely new method—visuals instead of text, story instead of data.

Ask someone to review your process and challenge assumptions—apply one suggestion today.

On a difficult day, consciously shift your tone—choose calm if reactive, structure if scattered.

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