Author of bestselling books Crazy Successful & F**k Work Let's Play. Founder of The Ideas Lab, helping people create businesses & books in a Category of One
London
Joined March 2008
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John Spencer Williams retweeted
When you go talk to users, don't (just) ask them what features they want. Ask them what problems they have. In the best case this will lead you to think of features they'll love but would never have thought to ask for. And expect to go through multiple cycles of ask-and-build.
John Spencer Williams retweeted
I’m sorry but what exactly do you find scary about this indestructible robot centaur with a chainsaw?
John Spencer Williams retweeted
England is now a Mediterranean country:
We have hot weather, a shit economy, and a good football team.
John Spencer Williams retweeted
Celebrating Chinese New Year with John Williams (@johnsw), author of ‘F**k Work Let’s Play’
John Spencer Williams retweeted
By late 2026 the greatest problem on the planet will be a lack of meaning
John Spencer Williams retweeted
"Europe has become a third-rate power economically, politically, and militarily, and the price for this slowly building predicament is now due all at once. Worse still is that Europeans at large still appear to be stuck in the early stages of grief." world.hey.com/dhh/europe-s-i…
John Spencer Williams retweeted
If you're inexperienced, don't try to pretend you're not. It will fool no one and make you look ridiculous. Instead just be openly curious. This will seem natural instead of awkward, and you'll learn a lot more.
John Spencer Williams retweeted
First time founder: “You need to sign an NDA before I tell you my idea.”
Second time founder: “Here’s everything I’ve got. No one’s gonna care until I make it happen anyways. And it’ll take money, years, and probably won’t work the way we expect.”
John Spencer Williams retweeted
Realistically I feel how Elon does it is smartest:
Stay out of politics directly but align with the right politicians and support them to get elected then help them as kind of a consultant
I'll happily support and advice European politicians if they want me to
I posted my key goals before which is crowdsourced based on what all of you on X told me how to save Europe and that I recommended to Mario Draghi:
1. Reduce regulatory burden for European startups
Our vision is focused on reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses, streamlining the process of starting and growing companies, and encouraging innovation. By exempting businesses with annual revenues below €10 million from complex regulations like VATMOSS, GDPR, and the EU AI Act, we empower entrepreneurs to focus on creating great products and reaching market success without being weighed down by compliance.
2. European Inc: a single pan-European business entity
We also propose the creation of a single, EU-wide business entity—European Inc.—that eliminates the complexity of dealing with 27 different company registration requirements. Starting a business should be as easy as clicking a button online, without needing physical offices, notaries, or lawyers.
3. Tax discount during startup phase
For new businesses, we advocate for 0% corporate tax for the first 3 years, allowing startups to focus on innovation without the pressure of financial strain.
4. Tax stock options when sold, not when exercised
We propose changing the tax policy on stock options to tax them only when sold, not when exercised, so that Europe can compete globally in attracting top talent and entrepreneurs.
5. Embrace AI and technology, don't fight it
We see tech and AI not as enemies but as crucial for the future of Europe. While Europe currently lags behind, we believe we can turn the tide by fostering an environment that encourages innovation rather than stifling it with premature regulation. AI can revolutionize industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and of course software, and Europe needs to be at the forefront of this change.
6. Teach AI and tech in schools
Lastly, to ensure the long-term prosperity of the European Union, we must teach tech, coding, and AI in all schools and universities. By equipping the next generation with these skills, Europe can secure its place as a global leader in innovation.
Europe needs to accelerate.
We've been saying this.
cc @levelsio time to run for office. For real.
John Spencer Williams retweeted
Seeing people say that Elon has no business meddling in government reminds me of the good that came from appointing Sir Isaac Newton as Warden, and later Master, of the Royal Mint.
Newton reformed England's currency, overseeing the transition from the old, defaced coins to a more reliable and secure system capable of addressing the problems caused by forgers and coin defacers during the Nine Years' War. Newton studied the Mint thoroughly and rose with the break of day, dedicating himself to fixing its troubled state. He found the Mint riddled with miscreants and poor practices, but left it among the highest councils of the time.
His aggressive actions against counterfeiting, combined with his strong leadership, helped restore public confidence in the nation's currency. This played a key role in stabilizing England's economy – exports grew, allowing England to later become the world's richest country.
We all stand to benefit when our greatest minds are focused on advancing our national interests.
John Spencer Williams retweeted
When To Do What You Love: paulgraham.com/when.html
John Spencer Williams retweeted
This is Frank and he has had a coffee stand at the top of the steps at Bethnal Green tube for as long as I can remember.
When the new restaurant/coffee shop next door opened along with another high street outlet opening across the street, Frank suddenly found that his license from the council had been revoked and he was chucked off his stand.
I believe it was to make way for these new shops to take his regular custom. They didn’t need him in the way of gaining maximum profit... so Frank was gone.
Well the locals were having none of it and a petition started demanding his return.
How dare they do this to him.
How dare these people smash his business and leave him with nothing.
After a lot of pressure the council backed down and Frank had his licence and pitch returned to him but sadly by that time Frank had sold his equipment to feed his family and try to survive.
So the good people of Bethnal Green started crowdfunding and here’s the result... Frank back in business on his old pitch with brand new equipment and even a little hut now to shelter him from the rain... Brilliant!!
He is truly the happiest man in East London and it’s wonderful to see.
It really does show that if we all stick together, stand up to them and just say no... the little guy can win.
If you’re in Bethnal Green come and have a coffee with this lovely man. 🧡
