Thomas Middleditch is an actor and comedian best known for his starring role on HBO’s Silicon Valley where he plays Richard, the struggling startup founder. He started his career doing improv theater for the likes of Second City and UCB, and certainly showed off his improv skills during our conversation.

Silicon Valley is the only TV show that I watch religiously, due largely in part to its authentic portrayal of the startup world that I have one foot in the door of. Thomas lives the same authenticity, and isn’t one to shy away from removing the glamour from working in Hollywood. Whether you’re founding a startup, working your way up the rungs as a comedian, or trying to double your client base, you better remember to enjoy what you’re doing to get through the tough days.

In this episode,

* You can’t be passive! If you want things to be happening around you, you have to make them happen.

* If you want to be a good artist, you have to experience life.

* Pursuing your happiness is worth the arduousness, the struggle, the inconveniences, and the trolls. Treat all adversity and every challenge like it’s a buzzer beater shot. Welcome it. Embrace it. Step up.

Enjoy!

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