My newsletter helps founders like you become the leader you're capable of so you can make the impact you set out to make. Each week I share exceptional essays from around the web, original essays from my desk, and my long-form interview podcast called Good Work -- all centered on reaching your potential as a founder and leader. I'm an executive coach to founders and creators using business to solve hard societal problems - lessons from my coaching work directly fuel the newsletter.
Hey Reader, Happy Saturday! Clocks have changed, spring is here, and along with those wonderful events the not so wonderful spring stomach bug arrived at our house. Not my favorite, to say the least.
Still, we made it through the week. The podcast really is still in the works -- I've been working with my producer to get the trailer right and the edits for first three episodes are nearly finalized. Stay tuned. Okay, enough prelude. Let’s get to it. A short essay sparked by my work with founders One of the most common reasons founders and creators hire me as a coach is because they feel lost. This is never because of lack of opportunity or resources. It's because they've achieved what they once hoped for and now they don't know what to do. This happens often in business. When you get started as a founder (or in building a career) you have a motivation or a mission. You're setting out to earn a living, gain freedom for your family, make a difference in the world, or build a legacy. You haven't done anything yet and you're trying to prove to yourself and others that you can. You create a vision for your company. "Some day, maybe I could _____________________." Maybe I could:
These are the biggest versions of founder hopes and dreams. But there are many that are more approachable too. Make $1M, have a five person team, or become the CXO of a startup. There are two success states here:
And then something surprising sometimes happens. You feel... empty? Isn't this what I always wanted? Why do I feel lost? You've lost your organizing principle. Up to now, you were trying to make it. You were fighting to get over the hump. Trying to put food on the table. Get out of debt. Get funding. Get profitable. Pay yourself market rate. Earn the promotion. Now you did it. What do you have to work for? If you don't catch it early, your business or career can stall out at this stage. You settle into the status quo. You get lazy. Then something wakes you up. Revenue drops. People start quitting. You have a a health scare. Go through a divorce. But if you catch it early, you have options. And the two best options are:
Both are valid. It's the active choice to do one or the other that matters. A quote to make you think from a book worth reading
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A newsletter for founders who want to make impact at scale and become the leader your team needs you to be
My newsletter helps founders like you become the leader you're capable of so you can make the impact you set out to make. Each week I share exceptional essays from around the web, original essays from my desk, and my long-form interview podcast called Good Work -- all centered on reaching your potential as a founder and leader. I'm an executive coach to founders and creators using business to solve hard societal problems - lessons from my coaching work directly fuel the newsletter.
Hey Reader, Happy Sunday! It’s a classic rainy and chilly spring weekend here in Portland and we’ve been enjoying it with pancakes, at the zoo, and with some delicious coffee and tea from our favorite local spots. I normally send this newsletter early on Saturday mornings, but I was exhausted after traveling solo with my son last weekend and two podcast recordings in a shortened week for me. I caught up on some sleep this weekend instead. Thanks for reading on Sunday :). If you missed it,...
Hey Reader, Happy Saturday! Yesterday was my grandfather's 90th birthday and we're celebrating today, which for a variety of reasons means I'm hitting your inbox a few hours later than normal. I'm thinking about interviewing him and recording it for our family's oral history. Hit reply with any great questions you've asked your elders and enjoyed hearing the answer to.Speaking of interviews, my interview with neuroscientist and author Anne-Laure Le Cunff has gotten great reviews. The #1 thing...
Hey Reader, Happy Saturday! What an incredible week. All of you awesome people made it possible for the podcast to hit #15 in the business category and #130 in all of Apple Podcasts. In week one! My friend made me say out loud that I have “A top 25 business show.” I’m taking it under consideration for future use. #15 in business right behind my boy Guy Raz! Thank you so much for your support. My goal is impact, not fame or reach. Still, I know that reach is a key factor for impact because it...