This year, we won the German Design Award 2025 for an Israeli project: The Rural Senses Project.
What amazes me every time I work with Israelis is their relentless ability to grow and adapt. Their businesses move at light speed. Their mindset? Bold, direct, and unstoppable.
So after another inspiring visit to Israel, I’m sharing the key lessons I’ve learned from working with some of the most resilient entrepreneurs in the world:
If you’re creating something, don’t build it just for your local market.
Make it global from Day 1.
Ask yourself: If my product launched in the U.S., Europe, and Asia today - would it work?
Test scalability early: Does your design support multiple languages, payment systems, and regulations?
Think like an Israeli startup: If it’s good enough, it should sell anywhere.
The only constant in business is change. Israelis know this better than anyone. Their ability to pivot - from a market shift to a crisis (even war) - is why they not only survive but thrive.
Build an adaptable business model: Can you shift gears when needed?
Prepare for crises before they happen: What’s your backup plan?
Train your team to embrace change: Agility isn’t optional - it’s survival.
Too many businesses spend time fixing their weaknesses instead of doubling down on their strengths.
Find your competitive advantage - and push it to the extreme.
Stop apologizing for what you’re not - be the best at what you already do well.
Israeli mindset: If you don’t believe in your own product, why should anyone else?
Ever seen a lion trying to grow wings? Exactly. Stop copying others.
If your competitors zig, you zag.
Differentiate your brand at every touchpoint - from product to marketing to customer experience.
Israeli startups don’t blend in - they stand out.
The only business metric that matters? Revenue.
Bad idea? Kill it. Fast.
Working with the wrong people? Cut them loose.
Israeli mindset: Don’t fall in love with your product - fall in love with solving problems.
You spend most of your waking hours with your team and business partners. If there’s no DNA fit, walk away.
Work with people who inspire you.
Don’t force partnerships that feel wrong.
Yes, business can be fun - and yes, you can make money with people you actually like.
Chutzpah is fearless persistence.
Israelis ask 100 times, try 1,000 times, and push until every door is shut.
Don’t wait for permission - just do it.
If someone says no, ask why - and find a way to turn it into a yes.
Israeli mindset: If you believe in something, never take ‘no’ as the final answer.
There’s an Israeli saying: "Sagur" (סגור) - meaning “closed,” but in business, it means sealed with trust.
With the right partners, a handshake means more than 100 contracts.
Work with people who don’t just sign papers - but stand by their word.
Israeli entrepreneurs build business relationships that last decades, not months.
Every time I come to Israel, I leave with more energy, more ideas, and a stronger mindset. This market has taught me that growth isn’t just about strategy - it’s about resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of success.
About the author - My name is Marina Shideroff, and if you know me, you probably know me as the Founder and CEO of Fram Creative - a leading UX/UI design company operating in 29 markets across Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
But long before Fram Creative existed, I was just a five-year-old with a dream.
And no, my dream wasn’t just to be a designer. I wanted to build the coolest design company in the world. I wanted to create something as legendary as Disney or as timeless as Bauhaus. Because I truly believe that GOOD DESIGN makes people more positive, more inspired, and ultimately, happier. Just like all our favorite brands from childhood.
And yes, I believe good design will save the world.
