A new book, a new program, a new team, and new podcasts
Getting a jump on some resolutions for the New Year
Since leaving the corporate world, I have run a number of experiments, some of which have been more successful than others. While I dont think I am making many more mistakes than in the past, they do tend to be more painful without the safety net of an employer to protect my downside.
One experiment that has evolved over the years is my “learning-in-public” project, which started with my starting a podcast in 2015. Responding to listener requests, I launched a cohort-based leadership program in 2016, in which I work with small groups of accomplished leaders. To date, we have run multiple programs in Europe and the US, and a survey I conducted recently with participants reminded me just how unique and valuable the program has been for many of them. It was not just participants who benefited from learning “frontier” leadership skills: I too was able to learn in real time from the dozens of credentialed executives, founders and intrapreneurs whose businesses and careers benefitted from the power of diverse perspectives.
I plan to run three of these programs in 2022, and if you are interested in learning more, book a chat here. The kick-off is March 7th.
The next iteration is my book: in fact, prior to starting the podcast I submitted a couple of book proposals to publishers, but was so underwhelmed by the lack of innovation in the industry, and so overwhelmed by what was expected of me over and above producing a manuscript, that I shelved the idea and launched the podcast instead. But things are a little different now: I have learned enough about cloning, leverage, digital platforms and product/market fit to be ready to invest resources in a book project for 2022. I am pulling together an experienced team to help me navigate what will I am sure be a bumpy but worthwhile journey, and if you feel you can contribute please drop me a note. You can read more about the project here and in this LinkedIn post.
Since the last newsletter I have released a number of podcast episodes: the work that goes into preparing, conducting and publishing them is more than outweighed by the steady flow of positive feedback I receive from listeners around the world, who are able to apply some of the insights, strategies and tactics to their daily lives.
Gillian Tett, US Editor of the Financial Times and author of several books applying her anthropological training to the world of business, returned to the podcast to talk about Anthrovision, a new way to see in business and in life. Episode here.
Chris Yeh, an entrepreneur, investor and author of several books, including two with the founder of LinkedIn, Reid Hoffman. Chris dived into “blitzscaling”, an approach to building companies that is particularly applicable to winner take all markets benefitting from network effects.
Mohnish Pabrai, who I first met at the Berkshire Hathaway AGM in 2014 in Omaha, Nebraska. Mohnish is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pabrai Investment Funds and the author of “The Dhandho Investor,” which is just as useful if you’re interested in learning about investing as it is for entrepreneurs. Mohnish plays bridge with Charlie Munger, and he’s a shameless cloner. We discuss what being a cloner means and how he thinks about investing, how he learns from others and how he changed his mind about business, investing, and COVID.
Jim Mellon, an accomplished investor, entrepreneur, author and philanthropist. His most recent book, called Moo’s Law, focuses on the investment opportunities in the field of cellular agriculture, which is the production of proteins and materials directly from stem cells.
Eric Jorgenson is an investor, business builder, startup growth strategist and the author of “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant”. He also runs the online Leverage Course which I’m currently attending, and which has been instrumental in how I think about moving my business forward.
Dorie Clark, author, consultant and keynote speaker, who teaches executive education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School. A frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, she consults and speaks for clients including Google, Microsoft, and the World Bank.
And coming up in the next few weeks are:
Jack Weatherford, anthropologist and author of Genghis Khan, the making of the modern world. I discovered Jack’s work by accident, listening to a podcast episode in which this book was described as the most important investing book ever written. Both the book and its author are fascinating.
Jeff Booth, with whom I worked whilst on the Board of Terramera, a Vancouver-based agtech startup. Jeff is an accomplished founder entrepreneur, bitcoin enthusiast, and good friend.
John Elkington, an advisor on sustainable development and corporate responsibility for almost 40 years, and author of 20 books on the topic. His credentials are remarkable, as you can see here, and meeting him reminded me of Margaret Mead’s quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world.” This might very well have been written with John in mind, given his contribution to shifting capitalism and businesses towards a more balanced and sustainable path.
Let me end by thanking you for reading this far. If you find my work of value, please feel free to make a small contribution to the newsletter, share it with colleagues and friends who might benefit from the fresh perspectives, and consider working with me in person in my leadership program here.