Reason from first principles to contrarian strategies. DoorDash focused on suburban markets rather than densely populated cities, recognizing the greater need for delivery in areas where restaurants weren't within walking distance. This flew in the face of conventional wisdom, and helped them gain a foothold against established competitors.

Clarity in your vision helps you endure in the face of skepticism. Despite rejection from many investors who viewed food delivery as unsustainable, Tony and his co-founders remained committed to their long-term vision of becoming the "FedEx of local delivery." This unwavering belief carried them through difficult times.

Clarity in your values helps you make bold decisions in the face of uncertainty. During the pandemic, DoorDash cut commissions for restaurants by 50%—a $100 million revenue hit—and advertised competitors in national campaigns. These moves strengthened relationships with merchants and consumers, ultimately benefiting the business.

Focus relentlessly on unit economics and operational efficiency. DoorDash's ability to acquire customers more efficiently than competitors gave them an edge even when facing better-funded rivals. Their maniacal focus on improving delivery times and eliminating defects helped drive profitability.

Build a culture of resilience and shared values. The challenges DoorDash faced in its early years—including multiple difficult fundraising rounds—forged a strong team culture centered on frugality, customer obsession, and perseverance. This foundation was crucial to their later success.

Balance short-term pain with long-term gain. Many of DoorDash's most impactful decisions involved significant short-term costs or risks. The willingness to make these tradeoffs—like taking on heavy dilution to secure a large war chest of financing—enabled their rapid growth and ultimate market leadership.