What quote or saying has stuck with you?
"Most People Won't" by Bryce Roberts. It's such a simple yet powerful idea. Most people will talk about their ideas, but not bring them to life. Most people want to reach out, but most people won't. Most people will never overcome their blockers - so the ones that do have all the power.
What book do you recommend the most?
"The Second Mountain" by David Brooks. The core idea here has transformed my life and many people who I've gifted this to - that what we really seek is not fame, status, or money.
What’s your favorite ritual or meeting in your team?
I always try and start a meeting, especially team meetings, with some brightspotting. We are way too easily drawn to what's not working or broken. But if we start off with some team or client wins, that can change the mood.
What's a perspective that we should pay more attention to in the workplace?
I believe we should be paying more attention to the "jobs" that people have outside of the office - e.g. a parent or caregiver. I've always had a "family first" attitude, and was always generous whenever someone had an illness or family issue to attend to. But I now realize that for many, it's more of a long term part of their work/life balance, with many different seasons.
What personal habit or behavior has shaped you as a leader?
I've been a very strong proponent of post-mortems. All too often we're on to the next task, assuming we've learned. But the more intentional we are in looking back and, without assigning blame, understanding what could have been better, we can lock in those learnings.
What's a question you like asking — yourself or your colleagues?
If they were to bring in a new CEO today, what would they do? And why aren't we doing it now? As much as we think we're not, we get mired in the status quo, sunk costs, sacred cows, etc. That question immediately wipes the slate clean, and opens up fresh perspective.
We’re building the largest library of insights and wisdom by and for founders and entrepreneurs.
Once a month we'll send you the latest interviews straight to your inbox. No fluff, just value. For free.
Here’s More, From Other Founders Around the World
What's a question you like asking — yourself or others?
I like asking, "What can I learn from this experience?" This question helps me reflect on challenges and successes, fostering continuous improvement and a mindset of growth and learning.
What’s an important guiding principle that informs the way you build and run your business?
“Lead by ideas, not by hierarchy.” The “position” of a person has nothing to do with the ability to contribute great ideas to improve the company. You should always strive for a company culture where everybody can talk to everybody.
What shift in perspective has allowed you to see things differently?
Understanding that you cannot control the decisions other people make, you can only influence and inform them. Not every deal or decision will go your way and this mindset helps avoid self-loathing, anger, and depression.
What was a pivotal moment where your business made a big leap forward?
Understanding the 80/20 principle or even 64/4 and that it's a law of nature applicable everywhere. It's one of the biggest levers for doing more with less or in less time. (E.g. 20% of the streets in the world handle 80% of the traffic.)