In the history of bad ideas, few rival the Exploding Whale Incident. Picture this: it’s 1970, and a dead whale washes ashore in Oregon. Instead of, say, burying it, local officials decide to “solve” the problem with dynamite. The result? A shower of whale chunks that damaged cars, traumatized onlookers, and left everyone asking, “Whose idea was this?”

If you’re a founder, this story should hit uncomfortably close to home. Because let’s be honest: every startup has its own “exploding whale moment.”

Exploding whale - Wikipedia
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The Whale Problem in Startups

Founders are idea machines. It’s what makes us who we are. But not every idea should see daylight, and some—like blowing up a whale—should be quietly buried (preferably without dynamite).

I’ve seen founders launch poorly thought-out features, scale too quickly, or spend months chasing shiny trends. At the time, these ideas felt brilliant. In hindsight? Whale guts everywhere.

Lessons from the Whale Incident

1. Consult Experts Before Lighting the Fuse

The Oregon officials didn’t consult marine biologists, engineers, or, frankly, anyone qualified to handle dead whales. They winged it. Founders often make the same mistake, especially in areas outside their expertise—designing UX, managing finances, or scaling infrastructure.

What to Do:

Before you execute on your next big idea, get feedback from people who’ve been there. Thinking about a bold product pivot? Talk to your team, customers, or even mentors who can challenge your assumptions. The right expert can save you from catastrophic mistakes.