This is the presentation I gave at SXSW 2013 where I discussed how the greek economic crisis inspired me and my co-founder Phaedra Chrousos to capitalize on the economic turmoil while simultaneously benefiting the Greek economy. And how what we learned back then applies to all startups.

1. GROWING
A BUSINESS
IN A SUBMERGED
ECONOMY
How to teach yourself swimming and
other survival secrets you won’t learn in
business school.
NIKOS KAKAVOULIS
CEO AND FOUNDER DAILY SECRET
SXSW 2013

2. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
prepare to get wet
It gets better, but only after it pours.
if you find yourself in a crisis
&

3. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
teach yourself to swim
There is nothing you can’t learn to keep yourself from sinking.
it’s a Darwinistic world!

4. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
Radical thinking will save you from extreme situations.
and when traditional wisdom fails
think oppositely
GROWING
ABUSINESS
INASUBMERGED
ECONOMY

5. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
What holds true for Daily Secret holds true for all of us.
now get ready for
our secrets
!☂

6. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
lose your focus
#1
Don't let the old world keep
you from discovering the things you never knew existed.
Before you conquer you have to explore. Don't let
the old world in your mind keep you from
discovering the new one out there.

7. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
be the optimist
#2
Optimists have the stats on their side. This
simple fact will let you focus on the big
picture while everyone else fights for survival.

8. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
prepare for a catch
#3
Opportunities show up when you least expect it. Keep your
hooks sharp and you’ll be the first to recover. Remember that
if you haven’t baited the line, someone else will reel it in.

9. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
drop something
#4
Focus on your strengths by leaving something
on the table. Being lighter teaches you that
often less is more than enough.

10. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
make noise
#5
While everyone is cowering in the shadows, find a
spotlight - and then step into it. You’ll be the only
one there and everyone will take notice.

11. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
#6
don’t ask for luck
Instead look within for the best advice;
you are your best anchor.

12. DAILY SECRET // SXSW 2013
hurry up
#7
Enjoy this time. Recessions are too good to last forever.
∞

13. ☀

14. SPECIAL CREDIT
TO ALL THE GENEROUS THINKERS WHO PUT THEIR
THOUGHTS, EXPERIENCES, LESSONS AND ADVENTURES ON
PAPER AND SHARED THEM WITH THE REST OF US. WE WOULD
HAVE NEVER FLOATED WITHOUT YOU, THANK YOU. IF YOU TOO
SHARE OUR WANDERLUST YOU MIGHT FIND INSPIRATION IN
THE FOLLOWING BOOKS:
THE ART OF LOOKING SIDEWAYS - ALAN FLETCHER
READY FOR ANYTHING - DAVID ALLEN
LIFESTYLE - BRUCE MAU
GETTING REAL - 37 SIGNALS
THE ELEMENTS OF TYPOGRAPHIC STYLE - ROBERT BRINGHURST
NEVER EAT ALONE - KEITH FERRAZZI

15. DAILY SECRETCHANGES THE WAY WE LIVE OUR LIVES