[orbitur]

> a) is it really accurate that a smart person can't legitimately learn and be sensitive to life experiences from others

There's are a lot of subtleties that lived experience can reveal. Even the smartest person might miss some knock-on effect, etc.

> b) why can't they hire people to advise them while still managing the project themselves?

So, you're saying... diversity of thought might be useful?

[dmix]

Yes useful in advisory role, ie interviewing subjects throughout the process, particularly getting their feedback/input during research, product development, and design would be extremely valuable. Which is quite distinct from this idea that entrepreneurs, leaders, and employees internal must be 'diverse' themselves in odder for projects to succeed.

What should matter first is the team members skill/talent relevant to the project. While also hiring sympathic people who go out in the field to get feedback and interview subjects to determine the problems needing solving,+gýg environment factors, attitudes, etc.