Ep 234 - How Bryce North Learned to Bet on Himself — And Why You Should Too

 Bryce North is not your average entrepreneur. He's a venture capitalist, tech innovator, and the fearless founder of Don’t Be A Little Pitch — a platform aimed at transforming the pitch process for startups and investors alike. But behind the bold branding and quick wit is a deeper lesson — one that was hard-earned through pain, failure, and raw self-discovery. 

In Episode 234 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Bryce shares a powerful truth on a napkin: 
“The hardest decisions often lead to the most meaningful outcomes.” 
And he doesn’t just say it — he lives it. 

From building startups and walking away from a business that wasn’t serving him, to reclaiming his voice after the kind of betrayal that cuts to the bone, Bryce’s story is proof that making the hard call — even when it feels like a leap into the void — is where real transformation begins. 

Finding Meaning Through Missteps 

Bryce opens up about a toxic business partnership that went sideways — not because of a failed product or market miscalculation, but because trust eroded. “It’s not talked about enough in entrepreneurship,” he says. “There’s so much emphasis on winning that we don’t often hear about the loneliness, the betrayal, the heartbreak.” 

What made Bryce different was how he responded. Instead of letting it define him, he went inward — examining what he truly wanted, and more importantly, what he would no longer tolerate. That inner reckoning became a catalyst. “I realized the hardest part wasn’t letting go of the company,” he shares, “it was letting go of the version of myself I had built around it.” 

The Reinvention Playbook 

Bryce used that painful moment as fuel. Not just to start over, but to build something that aligned with his values and energy. Don’t Be A Little Pitch was born from that fire — equal parts irreverent, intelligent, and impactful. 

His mission is clear: help entrepreneurs tell better stories, build stronger pitches, and get in front of the right people faster. But underneath it all is a deeper purpose: “I want founders to know that they are the value,” he says. “Not just their tech. Not just their idea. Them.” 

Humor as a Weapon for Healing 

You’ll notice Bryce’s voice is sharp, unfiltered, and frequently hilarious — but that’s by design. “If you can laugh at it,” he explains, “you take its power away.” Humor, for Bryce, is a bridge between trauma and transformation. It’s not a mask — it’s a tool. One he’s used to reclaim his power, connect with others, and breathe life into his work. 

As Govindh puts it in the episode: “There’s clarity that comes from confronting the thing that nearly broke you — and then choosing to build anyway.” 

 

5 Key Takeaways from Bryce North – Episode 234 

1. Hard decisions lead to meaningful outcomes. 

“Walking away from something I built was brutal. But I wouldn’t have found myself if I didn’t.” 
Take Action: Reflect on one decision you’ve been avoiding — and explore what’s on the other side of courage. 

2. Your identity is not your company. 

“I thought I was the startup. Losing it felt like losing me — until I realized I was still here.” 
Take Action: Define who you are without your business title. What values remain? 

3. Use humor to disarm fear and pain. 

“Laughter is my pressure valve. It lets me process what would otherwise consume me.” 
Take Action: Journal about a tough experience — then find one piece of it you can laugh at. That’s healing. 

4. Storytelling is your superpower. 

“The pitch isn’t just numbers. It’s you. Your story. Your why. That’s what gets funded.” 
Take Action: Craft a 2-minute version of your founding story — start with the moment everything changed. 

5. Reinvention requires radical self-honesty. 

“You can’t fake it when you’re trying to rebuild. You have to go deep.” 
Take Action: Identify one part of your life or business that no longer fits. What would it take to change it? 

 

Bryce North’s journey reminds us that entrepreneurship isn’t just about growth charts or exit strategies. It’s about being brave enough to confront the truth — especially when it’s uncomfortable. The napkin says it all: 
“The hardest decisions often lead to the most meaningful outcomes.” 

So here’s your challenge: 
👉 What hard decision are you avoiding? 
Write it down on a napkin. Sit with it. Then post it with #PaperNapkinWisdom and tag us. 

You never know who you’ll inspire — or what meaningful outcome might be waiting on the other side. 

 

Connect with Bryce North: 
🌐 Don’t Be A Little Pitch 
🔗 LinkedIn