According to Green Prophet, Dr. Tony Jacob has learned through years of investing and building a multimillion-dollar healthcare network that ego is one of the most significant warning signs in the Texas business world. After evaluating hundreds of deals, he says he has developed a sharp instinct for spotting problematic personalities, and he avoids partnering with founders who refuse to listen, adapt, or collaborate.
Jacob explains that while confidence is essential, ego-driven leaders often sabotage themselves by ignoring feedback and becoming rigid when markets change. Even highly talented entrepreneurs can stall out, he says, if they lack emotional intelligence or self-awareness.
His own turning point came in his personal life. Jacob admits he once had “zero emotional intelligence” until marriage forced him to confront how he interacted with others. That experience reshaped how he evaluates leadership potential. Today, he looks for founders who can stay calm in crises, build strong teams, acknowledge mistakes, and remain open to learning traits he calls the real predictors of long-term success.
When deciding whether to invest, Jacob relies on the “beer test”: Would he enjoy spending time with the person? Can they clearly explain their idea in one sentence? Do they seem motivated by more than money? He pays close attention to how entrepreneurs treat their employees and whether they foster trust rather than micromanage.
The leaders he admires most in Texas all share one trait: humility. Jacob says humble founders build stronger companies because they surround themselves with people who complement their strengths, delegate effectively, and stay curious even after achieving big wins. That mindset helped him scale his own optometry network from a single clinic to 11 locations across the state.
Ultimately, Jacob’s message is that ego limits growth but humility unlocks it, creating better companies, stronger teams, and more sustainable success.
Source: Green Prophet
Author: Bhok Thompson
Original story: https://www.greenprophet.com/2025/12/why-dr-tony-jacob-sees-texas-business-egos-as-warning-signs/