" The big thing was realizing for myself that I had tied my ego to the outcomes and to startups. "
- Justin Kan

In simple terms, Justin Kan is reflecting on a personal realization about how deeply he had connected his sense of self-worth with the success or failure of his entrepreneurial ventures and business endeavors. This connection between one's ego and startup outcomes can be a common pitfall for many entrepreneurs who might feel their identity is defined by their companies' performance.

On a deeper level, Kan’s statement highlights the emotional and psychological challenges faced by those in high-stakes industries like startups where success or failure can have significant personal ramifications. By acknowledging this link between ego and business outcomes, he suggests that such an attachment can lead to intense stress, anxiety, and burnout. It also implies that separating one's self-worth from professional achievements could foster a healthier mindset and resilience in the face of setbacks. This realization encourages entrepreneurs to focus more on personal growth and less on external validation through their businesses.

Justin Kan is a well-known entrepreneur who has been involved with several startups over the years, most notably Twitch (formerly known as Justin.TV), which was later acquired by Amazon. He is also recognized for his work in various technology ventures and for sharing insights about entrepreneurship and personal development.