From CEO of ASX-listed company to Bus Driver with Nic Jones
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Nic Jones, a former executive who made the bold decision to step away from a high-powered career in media to drive buses.
Jones, whose past roles spanned influential positions at Moshcam, Pureprofile, Nine, Yahoo, News Corp, Publisis, and Vevo, shares the experiences and reflections that led him to question the corporate world's relentless pursuit of more.
Together, we unpack the value of living in alignment with one's true nature versus society's definition of success, inspired by a famous Seneca quote: "Live according to nature and never be poor; live according to opinion and never be rich."
Show notes
Key Discussion Points
Background and Big Decisions: We explore Nic's previous life, filled with executive roles and startup ventures, including his time as CEO of Pureprofile and his contributions to projects like Vera, a platform supporting people with dementia. Nic reflects on what happened with some of these companies and what ultimately influenced his choice to take a step back.
Pursuing Purpose Over Prestige: Why does society prize "chasing more" even if it costs us our happiness? Nic reflects on how this constant drive often leads to personal sacrifices and explores why he chose to reject that path in favor of simpler living.
Identity & Letting Go of the "Golden Handcuffs": How did Nic break free from the identity and financial security associated with his high-level roles? He discusses the challenges of leaving a successful career, the concept of "golden handcuffs," and how he managed the financial and personal implications of this shift.
Privilege and Perception: Nic addresses the perspective that leaving a well-paying job is a choice only available to a few. He openly talks about privilege and explains why, for him, this was not an impulsive decision but rather one carefully navigated.
The Role of Social Circles & Intellectual Stimulation: How has Nic's social life changed since transitioning to a new career? Nic shares how this choice impacted his relationships with friends, especially those in professional circles.
Reflections on Happiness and Meaning in the Age of Screens: Nic reflects on the crisis of meaning and community in a world dominated by screens, discussing how bus driving and working with people daily bring him a new sense of observable meaning.
Relationship with Money: Has Nic's relationship with money changed since he walked away from his high-income job? We examine the evolution of his financial values, including the notion of "enough," and how that influences his current approach to life.
Show Notes
Connect with Nic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic99jones/
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How to Apply Lean Startup at Large Organizations with Lean Startup Co CEO, Ben Hafele
In this episode, we dive into the world of Lean Startup, 13 years on from its inception, and explore the challenges and nuances of applying it within large corporations.
While Lean Startup principles are widely taught, executing them in established corporate environments often leads to failure. Our guest, Ben Hafele from Lean Startup Corp, shares his firsthand insights on why this happens and how leaders can overcome these challenges to foster innovation within their organizations.
Show notes
Key Topics Covered
- A quick recap of the Lean Startup methodology, focusing on rapid experimentation, validated learning, and customer feedback loops. Why is it still relevant today, and how does it differ from traditional corporate processes?
- Teaching the Lean Startup approach is one thing, but applying it in a corporate setting is an entirely different challenge. Why does it often fail in large organizations, and what can leaders do to make it successful?
- Process blockers: How existing systems and bureaucratic hurdles slow down the Lean process.
- People blockers and cultural dynamics: Exploring the resistance to change, risk aversion, and the "not a startup" mindset common in corporate environments.
- Navigating stakeholder interests: In large organizations, aligning various stakeholders with differing priorities can be a significant hurdle. Ben shares tips for getting everyone on board.
- Lean Startup is at risk when it doesn't produce immediate wins or when a key sponsor exits (e.g., the shift in focus at GE after Jeff Immelt's departure). How can organizations safeguard against this?
- Lean Startup's emphasis on rapid experimentation often clashes with the slow-moving approval processes in big companies. How can corporations adapt, and what structural changes are necessary to allow for cross-functional, agile teams?
- Ben discusses how breaking down silos and empowering cross-functional teams is essential for Lean Startup success, and why the phrase "we're not a startup" needs to be reframed to align with corporate goals like cutting costs, improving NPS, and avoiding past failures.
- Large corporations are often risk-averse and bound by strict governance. How can Lean Startup models align with these realities, and how do organizations deal with basic barriers like permission to use the right tools?
- Enterprises are used to long-term planning and predictable outcomes. How can leaders balance these with Lean Startup's iterative, experiment-driven approach without losing sight of core business goals?
- Ben explores how the VC-inspired approach of staged funding, lots of small bets, and measuring innovation metrics instead of pure ROI can drive corporate innovation.
- Corporate cultures aren't always built for the speed and ownership required by Lean Startup. Slow decision-making and the need for consensus can stifle progress. What cultural shifts are necessary to make this work?
- Corporate inertia and resistance to change are notorious in large organizations. How can Lean Startup help break through these barriers to create meaningful, lasting innovation?
- Ben discusses the pros and cons of externalizing innovation through Lean Startup teams, innovation outposts, or whether it's better to invest in startups directly through corporate venture capital (CVC).
Show Notes
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The Today and Tomorrow of AI with VC & UBER's former Head of Data Science, Kevin Novak
Kevin Novak is the Founder of Rackhouse Venture Capital, a global venture capital firm purpose-built to support early-stage founders and firms at the intersection of AI/ML and the real world. Previously, he served as Uber's first Head of Data Science, its first Head of Data Science Platform, and invented its surge pricing model.
Show notes
We covered a lot of topics, including
- Kevin's time at UBER
- The mechanics of investing in startups
- The proliferation of deep fakes and what it means for the world
- Why we're still so early when it comes to GenAI
- Whether AI advertising models will destroy Google search
- How AI content licensing might work to reward not just large but independent creators
- Kevin's prediction on which year the world's first one-person unicorn will emerge
Show Notes
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Steve Hughes on Woke Ideology, Standup Comedy, Depression and more... (most popular F2 episode of all time!)
Steve Hughes is an internationally renowned stand up comedian who tells it like it is, refusing to shy away from the confonting and what is often interpreted as controversial. Steve is incredibly observant, bringing with him worldly insights into the bleeding obvious and comes armed with what he says is more issues than an Occupy movement.
Steve spent the first half of his career as a heavy metal drummer for bands such as Mortal Sin before burning up the international comedy circuit, which he has been doing for more than 12 years now, having toured throughout Europe, Australia, USA, Canada & New Zealand to rave reviews and mutinous laughter.
Show notes
However, don't be fooled, this conversation goes way beyond the realm of just comedy and heavy metal and we spend the majority of the two hours exploring topics such as political correctness and identity politics, Steve's battle with depression, free will, the suppression of freedom of speech, preference falsification, feminism, disidentification with ego, leaning into adversity and bombing onstage, the state of the music industry, drugs, technology addiction, participation trophies and much much more.
A word of warning, this podcast is not safe for work, and is not for the faint at heart.
With that, let's kick off my two hour deep dive with the inimitable Steve Hughes.
Topics Discussed
- Political correctness
- Identity politics
- Steve's battle with depression
- Free will
- The suppression of freedom of speech
- Preference falsification
- Disidentification with ego
- Leaning into adversity
- Bombing on stage
- The state of the music industry
- Australia's tall poppy syndrome
- Beware of people bearing absolutes
- Legislating feelings
- Why the crowd is your barometer
- Leading with your heart
- Buddhism and non-dualism
- Drugs
- Taking ownership and victim mentalities
- Why being offended is a choice
- Living with Jim Jefferies
- Technology addiction
- Participation trophies
- Colonial regulations and Conservatism in Australia
- Steve's views on general practitioners
- Steve's early days on the metal scene
- Steve's early days on the comedy circuit
Show Notes
Steve's website: www.SteveHughes.net.au
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Investing in the next Mr Beast, Joe Rogan, or PewDiePie with Crowdsurf's Preston Troutt
My guest today is Preston Troutt, the founder of the innovative crowdfunding platform, Crowdsurf.
Preston is a dynamic entrepreneur aiming to transform how we invest in creators, turning the conventional investor model on its head.
Show notes
In this episode, we'll explore how Crowdsurf allows fans and followers to invest directly in their favorite creators, the origin of this groundbreaking idea, and how the model works.
We'll dive into the platform's progress, the types of creators raising funds, and share some success stories.
Preston will also discuss transparency for investors, including income tracking and investor protections.
We'll tackle some challenges creators face in monetizing their content, and discuss how Crowdsurf addresses these issues. Plus, we'll cover who can invest, the minimum investment required, and the criteria used to select creators.
Furthermore, Preston will shed light on navigating the regulatory landscape with SEC and FINRA compliance, managing investment risks, and supporting creators to ensure long-term growth.
We'll also explore the distribution of revenue to investors and Preston's vision for the future of Crowdsurf and the creator economy's impact on traditional industries.
Show Notes
Crowdsurf: https://crowdsurf.xyz
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The Ozempic Episode with Lucas Aoun - Benefits and Risks of the Wonder Weight Loss Drug
Today we're diving into the fascinating and complex world of modern weight loss with Lucas Aoun, an expert in health and performance.
In 1980, 15% of Americans were obese; today, it's 42%, with over 70% either overweight or obese. England has seen similar trends.
Show notes
We'll explore why this epidemic has escalated, focusing on the role of the modern food supply, historical influences like the sugar industry's impact, and groundbreaking treatments such as Ozempic.
What is Ozempic, and how does it work?
We'll delve into its benefits, risks, and the societal implications of widespread use.
Join us as we discuss the future of weight management, balancing pharmaceutical solutions with lifestyle changes, and learning from cultures with low obesity rates. We also look at the body positivity movement, and ask whether it's doing more harm than good.
Timestamps
- (0:02) - Lucas' return to the show, comparison with Tim Harford.
- (0:07) - Introduction to obesity statistics and the rise in obesity rates.
- (0:12) - Causes of obesity: sedentary behaviors, poor diet, social media, and rise of obesity medications.
- (0:17) - Discussion on the impact of big food and misleading health ratings.
- (0:22) - Specific examples of food ratings and misconceptions.
- (0:27) - Transition to discussion on Ozempic and its effects.
- (0:32) - Overview of Ozempic, its mechanism, and its impact on appetite.
- (0:37) - Benefits and risks of Ozempic, including muscle loss.
- (0:42) - Psychological and societal implications of weight loss drugs.
- (0:47) - Dependency on weight loss drugs and long-term effects.
- (0:52) - Alternative methods to mimic Ozempic's effects naturally.
- (0:57) - Lessons from Japanese diet and lifestyle for managing weight.
- (1:02) - Importance of eating habits and mindful eating.
- (1:07) - Closing remarks, Lucas' additional resources, and future conversations.
Show Notes
Connect with Steve
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Scaling a Skincare Brand to 200,000 Customers in 4 Years with Hey Bud's Alex Roslaniec
My guest today is Alex Roslaniec, co-founder of fast-growing skincare company, Hey Bud.
Hey Bud was founded just 4.5 years ago, and is today available in 130 countries, boasts 200,000 customers, and is stocked in 400 Priceline stores across Australia.
Show notes
We discussed
- How Hey Bud differentiated itself in a saturated cosmetics and skincare market
- The power of online reviews
- The role of influencer marketing
- How being beholden to algorithms and pay-per-click ads can be the undoing of a business
- How Hey Bud got a distribution deal with Priceline, marking its move from online into physical retail
- The perils of manufacturing
- The regulatory landscape for hemp-based products
- How to hire great talent
- And so much more.
Timestamps
- (00:02) - Intro
- (05:02) - Hey Bud's unique positioning in the skincare market and initial growth strategies.
- (10:02) - Key milestones and growth metrics, including expanding to 130 countries and gaining 200,000 customers.
- (15:02) - Origin story and personal journey of Alex and his co-founders, including challenges faced as first-time founders.
- (20:02) - Strategies for differentiating Hey Bud in a saturated market, focusing on online reviews and customer feedback.
- (25:02) - Importance of influencer marketing and the role it played in Hey Bud's early success.
- (30:02) - Manufacturing challenges and the complexities of scaling production.
- (35:02) - Regulatory landscape for hemp-based products and navigating legal requirements.
- (40:02) - Team dynamics, hiring strategies, and maintaining a lean but effective team.
- (45:02) - Long-term vision for Hey Bud, including expansion plans and future opportunities.
- (50:02) - Wrap-up and final thoughts from Alex on the future of Hey Bud and personal reflections.
Show Notes
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37Signals' Jason Fried on Why Work Doesn't Have To Suck
Jason Fried contemplates cooperation, efficiency, and workplace culture. He co-founded project management tool Basecamp, established in 1999 and recognized by Forbes as among America's best small companies. His 2010 TED presentation on "Why Work Doesn't Happen At Work" surpassed 5 million views.
Show notes
He co-authored "Rework," exploring innovative work conceptualization, and "It Doesn't Have To Be Crazy At Work," challenging the notion that extended hours and relentless hustle are necessary for contemporary business success. The Economist praised the book as witty, well-crafted, and iconoclastic—the year's superior management publication.
This discussion aligns with philosophies on workplace culture. Organizations plan US$2T in digital transformation by 2022 for efficiency gains, yet potentially greater benefits—productivity and employee wellness—could materialize through operational changes.
Topics Discussed
- Why busyness functions as social currency
- Dangers of inadequate rest
- Manager and meeting inefficiencies
- Brook's Law
- Why 80-hour workweeks lack actual productivity
- Facilitating results with distributed remote workforces
- Basecamp's "calm company" philosophy
- Why Basecamp rejected hundreds of investor proposals
- Distinguishing capital raising from entrepreneurial achievement
- Creating reasonable timelines
- Corporate perks designed to retain office presence
- Protecting personal time
- Prioritization over consensus
- Using labor as life avoidance
- Excessive team collaboration
- Outsourcing responsibility
- Saying no effectively
- Jason's personal practices and rituals
Show Notes
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How to Raise Venture Capital in 2024: Valuations, AI, Diversity & more with Julia Krieger
Julia Krieger manages Pari Passu Venture Partners, a founder-led investor network. With experience as both operator and venture investor, she brings distinctive perspectives on entrepreneurship and VC dynamics.
Show notes
In this discussion, we examine Julia's oversight of $100M+ at Insight Partners, her experience constructing VillageLuxe, a sharing economy marketplace, Pari Passu's SPV investment methodology versus traditional fund structures, operator-focused versus non-operator-led VC enterprises, current valuation environments, AI's influence on capital productivity, relationship-based versus impersonal networking, founder capital-raising guidance, adversity's role in fostering compassion, and Scale AI's performance-based recruitment.
Topics Discussed
- Reconciling professional and family obligations
- Insight into $100M+ marketplace and SaaS investment, including Russian tech ecosystems during early 2010s
- Insight Partners' structural design and cultural values
- Transitioning from Insight to establishing Village Lux; COVID-19 obstacles
- Insights from managing Village Lux; evolution toward Pari Passu
- Pari Passu's organizational structure utilizing SPV investment approach
- Venture landscape assessment, founder resilience importance, economic cycle influence on fundraising
- Contemporary founder adaptation methodologies; extended runway and capital-raising approaches
- Pari Passu's philosophical and operational strategy; diverse founder support
- Closing reflections on emerging ventures, artificial intelligence business effects, merit-centered funding approaches
Timestamps
- (00:02) - Discussing professional and family equilibrium, conversation commencement
- (00:07) - Venture capital management ($100M+) in Marketplace and SaaS enterprises; Russian tech sector insights
- (00:12) - Insight Partners' structural framework and organizational philosophy
- (00:17) - VillageLuxe founding; COVID-19 difficulties; Pari Passu transition
- (00:22) - VillageLuxe operational knowledge; Pari Passu establishment
- (00:27) - Pari Passu's organizational structure; SPV investment methodology
- (00:32) - Venture climate assessment; founder perseverance; economic influence on capital-raising
- (00:37) - Founder strategy adaptation; extended funding timelines; capital-raising approaches
- (00:42) - Pari Passu's operational and conceptual strategy; underrepresented founder backing
- (00:47) - Final perspectives; nascent venture development; artificial intelligence; merit-oriented approaches
Show Notes
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Why Australia will NEVER be Silicon Valley with Chris Saad
Chris Saad is a seasoned product and startup builder, co-host of The Startup Podcast, and former Head of Product at Uber's Developer Platform. He's been building companies since the turn of the millennium and has spent considerable time in both Australia's and the US tech ecosystems, providing unique perspective on their differences.
Show notes
Topics Discussed
- Apparent catch-22 of Australia's social safety net
- Mindset differences between American and Australian founders
- Geographic, political, and economic realities
- Why Australia's investment ecosystem lacks sophistication
- Social justice activism in startup environments
- Regulatory and tax landscapes
Timestamps
- (03:00) Contrast between California's wealth and homelessness
- (05:00) Audio settings and reconnecting with Chris Saad
- (07:00) Viral LinkedIn post about Australia's startup ecosystem
- (09:00) Reactions to the LinkedIn post
- (12:00) Comparing entrepreneurial ecosystems
- (15:00) Impact of social safety nets on entrepreneurial spirit
- (17:00) Differences in urgency and hustle culture
- (19:00) Historical and cultural factors
- (20:00) Unicorns per capita statistics
- (23:00) Characteristics of US vs. Australian entrepreneurs
- (25:00) Scarcity vs. abundance mindset
- (27:00) Challenges in Australian startup ecosystem
- (29:00) Importance of talent density
- (31:00) Changes in Australian startup ecosystem
- (33:00) Networking in Silicon Valley vs. Melbourne
- (35:00) Value of Silicon Valley-based clients
- (37:00) Impact of regulation on startups
- (39:00) Tax and regulation differences
- (41:00) Regulatory capture and its impact
- (43:00) Differences in divorce law
- (45:00) Challenges in promoting fintech startups
- (47:00) Sophistication of Australian investors
- (49:00) Investor mindset and startup economics
- (51:00) Rational exuberance in US investments
- (53:00) Importance of early-stage startup enthusiasm
- (55:00) Misunderstanding of startup risk in Australia
- (57:00) Universal truths in startup success
- (59:00) Social justice and its impact on startups
- (1:01:00) Finding balance in social justice efforts
- (1:03:00) Conclusion and where to find more of Chris Saad
Show Notes
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Robert Greene on the 48 Laws of Power
Robert Greene is the author of New York Times bestsellers including The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law, and Mastery. His book The Laws of Human Nature explores people's drives and motivations, even when unconscious. Greene's work is widely followed in business circles and Washington, DC, with endorsements from major musicians including Jay-Z and 50 Cent.
Show notes
Key Takeaways
- How holding approximately 80 jobs before becoming an author shaped Greene's worldview and creative writing
- Why moments of frustration often lead to life-changing answers
- How Greene pursues the "most right" path by examining questions from multiple angles
Topics Discussed
- How Greene's early career shaped his perspective
- The role of frustration in seeking answers
- Multiple perspectives and contemplation in decision-making
- Understanding human nature and psychology
- Power dynamics in relationships
- Strategic thinking and behavior analysis
Show Notes
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Political Correctness, Cancel Culture, and 30 Years in Comedy with Joe Avati
Comedian Joe Avati discusses his world tour, early life as the son of Italian immigrants in Sydney, and his three-decade comedy career. Topics include the evolution of comedy in the social media age, modern parenting approaches, and navigating cultural humor with authenticity.
Show notes
Key Topics Discussed
- Tour Update
- Early Life
- Career Beginnings
- Family Expectations
- Comedy in the Modern Era
- Parenting in 2024
- Celebrating Cultural Differences
Timestamps
- (10:01) Comedians' perspectives on marriage and late parenthood
- (20:02) Transition from food science to comedy
- (25:01) Family reactions to comedy career
- (30:01) Navigating Australian vs. Italian identity
- (35:18) Experiences with changing relationships
- (40:02) Maintaining humility despite recognition
- (55:32) Perspectives on today's political landscape in comedy
Show Notes
Joe Avati's Official Website: https://www.joeavati.com
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The One Page Marketing Plan with Allan Dib
Bestselling author Allan Dib discusses his latest book, Lean Marketing, covering common marketing mistakes, force multipliers, AI applications, and fundamental business commodities that drive profitability.
Show notes
Topics Discussed
- Common Mistakes
- Three Force Multipliers
- Tools and Tactics
- AI Marketing
- Seven Core Commodities
- Key Objections
- Immediate Changes for Profit
- Balancing correctness with success
- Building a business you love
Timestamps
- (2:00) Introduction and Podcast Background
- (3:01) Pickleball and Paddle Sports Discussion
- (4:18) Introduction to Lean Marketing Book
- (5:08) Differences Between Lean Marketing and The 1-Page Marketing Plan
- (6:45) Importance of Planning in Marketing
- (8:24) Marketing Challenges for Startups
- (9:00) Random Acts of Marketing and Their Pitfalls
- (10:06) Understanding Your Target Market
- (12:09) Integrating Marketing Across the Organization
- (14:25) Short Feedback Loops and Learning Quickly
- (15:34) Value of Processes in Marketing
- (18:27) Direct Response Marketing vs. Brand Marketing
- (21:19) Providing Value to Build Goodwill
- (24:12) Benefits of Providing Clarity to Customers
- (29:23) Identifying and Targeting Your Niche Market
- (34:30) Focusing on Premium Customers
- (41:21) Leveraging Tools and AI for Market Advantage
- (43:08) Importance of Marketing Assets
- (48:00) Marketing Processes and Daily Operations
- (50:38) What Are You Really Selling?
- (53:14) Deepfakes and Authenticity in Marketing
- (56:02) Conclusion and Resources
Show Notes
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Get 10X Better at Anything with Scott H Young
I was thrilled to welcome back Scott H. Young, a renowned writer, programmer, and avid learner. Scott is here to discuss his latest book, "Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery." This book dives deep into the principles of mastering new skills and achieving continuous improvement in any field.
Show notes
Key Topics Discussed
- Introduction to "Get Better at Anything": Scott provides an overview of his new book and its structure, highlighting the three main parts: Learning from others (See), Learning from practice (Do), and Learning from experience and feedback (Feedback).
- Maxim 1 - Learn from the Best: The importance of identifying and learning from top performers in your field. Scott shares practical tips on how to approach and benefit from their expertise.
- Maxim 2 - Practice Deliberately: Scott explains the concept of deliberate practice and how it differs from regular practice. He offers actionable advice on how to structure your practice sessions for maximum improvement.
- Maxim 3 - Embrace Feedback: The role of feedback in the learning process and how to effectively incorporate it into your routine. Scott discusses strategies for seeking and utilizing feedback to refine your skills.
Show Notes
Website: www.scotthyoung.com
Timestamps
- (2:02) Interview Start: Catching Up with Scott H. Young
- (3:00) Difference Between 'Ultra Learning' and 'Get Better at Anything'
- (4:54) Importance of Learning from Others
- (6:13) Motivation from Seeing Others Succeed
- (8:00) Why Success is a Better Teacher than Failure
- (10:18) Problem Solving as Search in Entrepreneurship
- (12:30) Variability in Practice for Skill Improvement
- (15:23) Creativity Begins with Copying
- (18:49) Deliberate Practice and the Role of Coaches
- (21:04) Managing Cognitive Load in Learning
- (24:25) Benefits and Limits of Variability in Practice
- (27:01) Online Poker Players and Data-Driven Learning
- (30:17) Data-Driven Marketing vs. Traditional Marketing
- (33:10) Learning Plateaus and Breaking Through Them
- (36:11) Difficulty Sweet Spot and Flow State
- (39:19) Anxiety and Performance in High-Stress Situations
- (42:22) Exposure Therapy and Overcoming Fears
- (45:12) Importance of Regular Exposure for Reducing Fear
- (47:03) Experts as Teachers: Challenges and Solutions
- (50:00) Asking for Stories Instead of Advice
- (52:19) Applying Storytelling in Hiring Processes
- (54:51) Unlearning Bad Habits and Making Progress
- (1:00:00) Balancing Seeing, Doing, and Feedback in Learning
- (1:01:30) Closing Remarks and Scott H. Young's Website
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So You Wanna Be an Influencer with Taryn Williams
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of social media influence, authentic leadership, and the pursuit of happiness in entrepreneurship. Today's guest is the remarkable Taryn Williams, a veteran entrepreneur who founded Wink Models, The Right Fit (exited), The Influencer Agency (exited), and the innovative gifting service, #Gifted.
Show notes
In a candid discussion, Taryn talks about the challenges and successes she faced building businesses in her 20s and stepping back into a leadership role, and emphasizes the vital roles of self-care, mentorship, and maintaining genuine team connections. Taryn shares invaluable insights on navigating the influencer economy, the shift towards micro and nano influencers, and the importance of organic growth and audience engagement. She also reflects on the impact of social media on young people, stressing the need for authenticity over appearance. We weigh in on the dangers of "struggle porn" and the reality behind the pursuit of universal success through social media platforms, shedding light on the psychological effects of these digital tools on our values and aspirations.
Show Notes
Timestamps
- (00:00) Founded multiple successful businesses, including Wink Models.
- (05:00) Supportive network, fair pay, collaborative approach, success.
- (08:44) Early on, I struggled with delegation.
- (12:15) Scaling a business requires talented team.
- (15:18) Founder values cultural fit, technical understanding, learning.
- (18:33) Consistent follow-up for building and maintaining relationships.
- (20:00) Act on feedback to gain mentor's support.
- (24:26) Find market fit, build, test, adapt.
- (25:53) Planned sabbatical interrupted by successful business venture.
- (29:32) Regret over past decisions, focus on relationships.
- (32:40) Self-reflection on motivations for success and happiness.
- (37:46) Chasing external markers of success leads to unhappiness.
- (41:29) Navigating societal pressures to pursue personal ambitions.
- (44:04) Navigating sensitive topics while maintaining authenticity online.
- (48:38) TikTok sale may change US algorithm. Instagram adapts.
- (49:41) Brands prefer Instagram over TikTok for control.
- (54:03) Clarify goals to shape effective marketing strategy.
- (57:34) Steve invites weekly email subscribers for updates.
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Cage Kings: The Business of the UFC with Michael Thomsen
Michael Thomsen is a freelancer writer, author, and UFC enthusiast from New York. He is the author of "Cage Kings: How an Unlikely Group of Moguls, Champions & Hustlers Transformed the UFC into a $10 Billion Industry," which unpacks the rapid rise of the UFC and mixed martial arts, the UFC's business model and economics, longtime UFC president Dana White, the role of the UFC's owners over time - SEG, Zuffa and Ari Emanuel, and the organization's anti-competitive behaviors and adversarial relationship with its fighters, who aren't employees but independent contractors.
Show notes
Thomsen's work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Slate, Vanity Fair, The Daily Beast, Aeon, Forbes, Al Jazeera America, Complex, The Paris Review, n+1, Bookforum, The Believer, The New Republic, Kill Screen, The New Inquiry, and The Millions.
Show Notes
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Jason Calacanis on Angel Investing and Corporate Venture Capital (2017)
Jason Calacanis is a tech entrepreneur, successful angel investor, and host of "This Week in Startups" podcast. As a scout for Sequoia Capital and later as an angel investor, he has invested in 150 early-stage startups, including four billion-dollar valuations: Uber, Evernote, and Tumblr.
Show notes
His book "Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups" provides a roadmap for understanding how leading investors evaluate new ventures, calculate risks and rewards, and leverage relationships.
Topics Covered
- Jason's humble beginnings in Brooklyn, NY
- What got Jason into startup investing
- The alchemy of startup investing
- Why you should wait for external validation before investing
- Ideas versus traction in startup evaluation
- Biggest mistakes first-time investors make
- Changing nature of angel investing and venture capital
- Building quality deal flow
- Getting started investing with limited capital
- Key factors in evaluating entrepreneurs and startups
- Jason's "four founder questions"
- Navigating Silicon Valley Reporter's dot-com boom failure
- How to ask effective questions
- Corporate venture capital insights and advice
- Small bets and portfolio diversification strategies
- ICOs, cryptocurrency, and blockchain perspectives
Show Notes
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Oliver Burkeman: Remember That You Will Die
Oliver Burkeman is a British author and journalist who has written for The Guardian and other publications. He was born in 1975 and has authored several books on topics such as time management, productivity, happiness, and self-help culture. His works include "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals," "The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking," "Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done", and his most recent book, "Four Thousand Weeks," is a philosophical and practical exploration of time management and how to make the most of our finite lives.
Show notes
Show Notes
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Building a Billion Dollar Venture Capital Fund with Blackbird's Niki Scevak
Niki Scevak is co-founder of Startmate, and founder and partner at Blackbird VC, Australia's largest venture capital fund, with its 5th fund having raised AUD$1B (US$640M). Blackbird was an early investor in Canva, SafetyCulture, CultureAmp, BugCrowd, RedBubble, and many more, and has to date generated a net internal rate of return of 56%.
Show notes
Niki joined to discuss: His life before Blackbird; successfully raising his first fund back in 2012, without having a network or any startup successes of his own; getting beyond the trough of disillusionment; how Australian superannuation funds are opening their wallets to VC; scaling culture; generating deal flow; advice for founders and budding VCs on raising capital in a down market; the AI investment landscape; the battle between AI-powered indie hackers and venture-backed startups; whether sophisticated investor rules preventing retail investors from getting direct exposure to venture capital is just increasing the wealth gap; diversity, quotas, and Startmate's merit-based selection criteria; and more.
Show Notes
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The Mick Wall Story - Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n Roll
Mick Wall has spent over four decades interviewing rockstars and chronicling their amazing stories, and today, we're turning the tables on Mick Wall and unpacking his story in this marathon 3-hour and 40-minute, Joe Rogan-esque interview.
Show notes
Our conversation focuses on the early years, taking in Mick's childhood all the way through to Sounds magazine, Heavy Publicity, and the inception of the world-famous magazine Kerrang! magazine.
We touch on ghostwriting, his feud with Axl Rose, and revelations about the rock 'n roll lifestyle. As you might expect, there's plenty of sex, drugs n rock n roll, and some valuable life lessons.
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