Being successful in business relies on resilience, passion and good ideas. What else makes a good entrepreneur? Does being a successful CEO require a solid business background? Where is that coveted stairway to success and is it really quite so straightforward? These are just a few of the questions answered by Pat Grady and Matt Miller, experts in discovering top-notch business ideas as partners in Sequoia.

The best businesses are, for the most part, people who experienced the problem, hated the problem, didn't understand why the problem hadn't been solved before, and just made it their mission to go out and change it. - Pat Grady

Takeaways

First, Pat and Matt talked about Sequoia and explained Donald Valentine's unique approach and outlook towards business development and venture capital. They then also talked about their own backgrounds and the work they do within Sequoia. Pat and Matt also discussed some of their favorite projects they've been involved in it and their thoughts regarding the future of technology and what this might mean for the big category kings in business. We also touched on the correlation between the growth of the business and the speed of innovation - using the "Big Five" as an example. Finally, we spoke about the importance and resilience of microservices and how they benefit companies big and small.

We also discussed;

Authenticity is a key selling point for any business - it's not just about shoving your product in the faces of customers, it's making your product into an efficient magnet and then customers will want to be near it. You shouldn't allow yourself the luxury of whiplash as technology develops at amazing speeds but rather you should move along to keep up with it the best you can. That will only make innovation easier. Remember that there's no real, straightforward recipe for business success.

Creativity that leads to category creation is always a very valuable skill when developing your business. Who do you market this category to? How do you identify the people who are most likely to be engaged in your category? What makes super consumers so important on the way to evangelizing your category? No problem will remain unsolved with this week's guest, legendary growth strategist and motivational speaker Eddie Yoon.

You're not born a super consumer, you evolve into one. That evolution of how you became one has a lot of richness and insight for what you can do to crack the code on it. - Eddie Yoon

Takeaways

We started off the episode by explaining Eddie's concept of the super consumer and how companies and entrepreneurs need to be mission-driven and have an insight around the problem. Eddie also shared how the shift from being passionate about your business to turning it into a job or a career can make the creativity and spirit in a good company die. He then shared some tips from his book Super Consumers on how we can identify our best customer segment. We then mentioned a few specific examples on how engaging with your super consumers can help you grow within your category. Eddie then used an example to point out how localization can help you grow a new product in your brand and that's a typical feature of many category kings.

Eddie then shared his opinion on using agencies and other third party companies to build a network of influencers. Afterwards Eddie gave a few examples about super consumers in the unique category of power generators and how that also pushes them to be super consumers in other categories. We then discussed the relationship between a brand and a category. Eddie then talked about his background and what it was that set him on the path of success. This led to a bigger conversation about adversity and how to target this appropriately throughout your life. Eddie then talked about his career at the HBR and how that's helped his understanding of business and marketing. We then mentioned the role of coincidence and how being in the right place at the right time can work out for you - the way it worked out for Eddie when he wrote his first piece about super consumers. We also mentioned about the benefits of being humbling and trading ideas freely. Finally, we talked about what the future holds for Eddie.

We also talked about;

Creativity that leads to category creation is always a very valuable skill when developing your business. Who do you market this category to? How do you identify the people who are most likely to be engaged in your category? What makes super consumers so important on the way to evangelizing your category? No problem will remain unsolved with this week's guest, legendary growth strategist and motivational speaker Eddie Yoon.

You're not born a super consumer, you evolve into one. That evolution of how you became one has a lot of richness and insight for what you can do to crack the code on it. - Eddie Yoon

Takeaways

We started off the episode by explaining Eddie's concept of the super consumer and how companies and entrepreneurs need to be mission-driven and have an insight around the problem. Eddie also shared how the shift from being passionate about your business to turning it into a job or a career can make the creativity and spirit in a good company die. He then shared some tips from his book Super Consumers on how we can identify our best customer segment. We then mentioned a few specific examples on how engaging with your super consumers can help you grow within your category. Eddie then used an example to point out how localization can help you grow a new product in your brand and that's a typical feature of many category kings.

Eddie then shared his opinion on using agencies and other third party companies to build a network of influencers. Afterwards Eddie gave a few examples about super consumers in the unique category of power generators and how that also pushes them to be super consumers in other categories. We then discussed the relationship between a brand and a category. Eddie then talked about his background and what it was that set him on the path of success. This led to a bigger conversation about adversity and how to target this appropriately throughout your life. Eddie then talked about his career at the HBR and how that's helped his understanding of business and marketing. We then mentioned the role of coincidence and how being in the right place at the right time can work out for you - the way it worked out for Eddie when he wrote his first piece about super consumers. We also mentioned about the benefits of being humbling and trading ideas freely. Finally, we talked about what the future holds for Eddie.

We also talked about;

So much of what motivates us and demotivates us is happening way below the surface. How do we work slowly towards the courage it takes to make great things happen in our lives? How do we get ourselves out of the zoos of our own creation? What can we learn from animals about resilience? In this second part of our interview, Erik Weihenmayer shares more of his great story, and what keeps him going.

People are controlled by their fears rather than being driven by hope, and that can a dangerous place. -Erik Weihenmayer

Takeaways

At the start of the show, Erik shared his workout regimen and how he makes sure he has balance. Next, he talked about constructing the business side of adventuring, and what it’s like for blind people in the working world. We also talked about how trauma affect us and gets in the way. Erik also talked about the danger of being in the comfort zone of our own lives. We talked about how to continue to innovate, explore, grow and feel purpose in our lives and challenge ourselves to do the things that matter. Towards the end of the show, we talked about the power of practicing courage.

Erik also spoke about;

Bad things happen to people, and very often we take those things and create reasons and excuses around why life is bad. The trauma stops us from moving forward, and we end up getting crushed. Living in the storm of life is scary, and it throws you in all sorts of chaotic directions but remember the action is in the storm, that’s where discovery is, and that’s where insight is. Stop reacting, responding, and blaming, and just live with courage.

Guest Bio

Erik is an American athlete, adventurer, author, activist and motivational speaker, and the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, on May 25, 2001. He also completed the Seven Summits in September 2002, joining 150 mountaineers at the time who had accomplished that feat, but the only climber who was blind. In 2008 he also added Carstensz Pyramid in West Papua New Guinea, the tallest peak in Australasia, thus completing the more respected Seventh Summit. Weihenmayer has also made noteworthy climbs up the Nose of El Capita...

The primitive side of the brain makes us only focus on survival, and that can hold us back. How do you make sure you’re not letting your mind sabotage you? How do you find silence in your mind and live in stillness? What are the biggest challenges when it comes to climbing Everest? On this episode, we are joined by the legendary Erik Weihenmayer, who shares on creating the discipline to make your mind a beautiful, still stream.

The nature of mind is like water. If you do not disturb it, it becomes clear. -Erik Weihenmayer

Takeaways + Tactics

At the start of the show, Erik shared what it’s like to stand on top of the world and the importance of having stillness in your mind. We talked about the importance of knowing the right time and place to trust your brain. “The most relaxed fighter is the fighter who wins.” We also talked about team dynamics and why it’s so important for everyone to have the same mission. Towards the end of the show, Erik shared the experience of climbing Everest.

Erik also spoke about;

It takes a lot of practice and discipline to find that quiet place in your mind, but on the other side of that is peace and fulfillment. You have to learn to know your brain and be aware of when it’s sabotaging you and when you can listen to it. You need to talk down your brain when it’s sending you false signals. When you commit to something and you’re fully there, try to stay in that moment and be fully there, be hyper focused on what’s around you and don’t let the fear, doubt, and questioning sabotage the moment and what you should be feeling. Remember to keep your mind still like a mountain stream.

Guest Bio

Erik is an American athlete, adventurer, author, activist and motivational speaker, and the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, on May 25, 2001. He also completed the Seven Summits in September 2002, joining 150 mountaineers at the time who had accomplished that feat, but the only climber who was blind. In 2008 he also added Carstensz Pyramid in West Papua New Guinea,

Being a successful entrepreneur can bring about a lot of benefits and generate a lot of profit. How can good mentorship help us break into a competitive field and create an entrepreneurial mindset? Can mistakes early in life set us back on our path? And if there's a mastermind in all of us, how can we utilize this on our way to success? Entrepreneurship guru and star of the Millionaire Mindcast Matt Aitchinson talks about this and much more, revealing the story of his own success and the best values an up and coming entrepreneur can harness to achieve success.

You have to weed your brain daily. You have to improve your environment daily. You have to be 1% better every single day. - Matt Aitchinson

Takeaways

We kicked off the show by talking about Matt's mentoring and how he sees himself as more of a mentor rather than a coach or a teacher. Matt then also talked about his background and the support he has received to leave his days of dangerous living behind. We also discussed how going to college could benefit you and create healthy habits in your everyday business life. Another point we made was that there are people who get into entrepreneurship for all the wrong reasons. Matt then talked about the success story of his own podcast. We also discussed the best communication practices and the importance of having an authentic dialogue. At the end, Matt and Chris talked about the significance of our mindset regarding money and the way a good or bad financial situation can affect your life.

We also talked about;

Regardless of your start in life, there are always ways to redeem yourself and take your skillset to its full potential. Even if you make a mistake, it's important to readjust your mindset and surround yourself with the right people, who will motivate you and support your goals in life. Entrepreneurship is a good way to follow your dreams and knowing what you want to change about the world....

The ultimate goal for many businesses in any sector is to be the category king - the one and only player in this particular niche. Is this an achievable goal? How can a good knowledge of category design help you stand out and develop your brand in full? And can you read someone's work habits by their shoes? Join Tenable CMO Jennifer "JJ" Johnson for her top insights on how knowing category design can put your business one step forward from your greatest competitors.

We all have moments where we're in a position to be our greatest self and we have hesitations around these moments. - Chris Lochhead

Takeaways

We started off with JJ explaining how important it is for CMOs to focus on category design and how controlling your category can mean everything in business. We then talked more generally for company values - with mentions of Mercury, Uber, etc. - and how working for a company with contradicting values wouldn't result into anything productive. JJ also talked about how upbringing can influence your business mindset later in time and gave an example with her own upbringing. Then JJ also talked about her experience with Andreessen Horowtiz, one of the Silicon Valley market leaders, and how she moved on to a portfolio company afterwards. Finally, we talked about JJ's plans for the future and how she feels about what's coming up for her company in the next few years. We also mentioned the problems of the headstrong outlook of CEOs in the security technology space and how a fear of innovation can lead to companies losing their market lead to new competitors that were brave enough to take ownership of a new category.

We also discussed;

Knowing how to best your competition is one of the toughest parts of running any business. Category design can help with that; at its core is the creativity and innovation to define your own niche in the market that you can dominate. But dominating a category also requires courage. Some big companies are too set in the values and ideas of their business' past that they risk being outperformed by newcomers with a lot more drive to try new things. Trendsetters belong in the present and future - that's why every CM...

Good marketing relies on a faithful, relevant story that you can sell. But is that all there is to it? What makes big brands fail? How can you get your idea out there? Does artificial intelligence come in to the future of marketing? All these questions and more will be answered in this week's episode with marketing guru and founder of Double Loop Marketing Christian Sarkar.

The best advertising for an idea is that people will love it and steal it. - Christian Sarkar

Takeaways

To start off, we talked about how you can engage customers with their story, even if it's one they've already heard - even retelling the story is valuable in itself. Then Christian went into a bit more detail for one of his clients and why authenticity should prevail over perfectionism. He then explained the two ways of telling your story, emphasizing that the thought leadership model is a lot more flexible and doesn't penalize mistakes as harshly. We rounded off by talking about ways and strategies to get your idea out there and make sure that you're heard, both by customers in your category and your competitors as well.

We also discussed;

Having a reliable story to fall back on when marketing your business is important but it's by far not the only step on the long path to success. It's imperative to stay on message constantly and not lose confidence in your brand. A product is also an idea - and the focus of your marketing should be how this idea will make a customer's life easier because it can do a certain thing better than them. The other important thing to consider is your category and what it lacks because if you're not thinking about this, then somebody else is: and there can only be one category king. Finally, to stay afloat,

Has Western medicine failed you? Do you know how to build a successful business or podcast? In this episode, self-made millionaire J.V. Crum talks candidly about his diabetes diagnosis, how he shunned Western medicine in favour of a holistic approach, and the fantastic ways it has helped him in every avenue of his life. J.V. also discusses why he has been so successful with his daily healthcare podcasts.

I am clear about how much impact I can make with the rest of my life. I can only make that impact if I make the impact with people who are ready to make impact with their lives. – J.V. Crum

Takeaways

We began this episode with J.V. telling us about his upbringing in Florida, how his parents influenced him and how he grew to be a millionaire in his twenties. Next, he spoke openly about his diabetes and how it has completely changed his outlook on both life and business. He also shared on the holistic approach to treatment he has taken. Later in the episode we spoke about the importance of entrepreneurs and why there seem to be less and less in the millennial generation. Following on from that J.V. spoke about his love of podcasts and how he got into the area, as well as how the diabetes has changed the output of his shows.  We finished up by discussing his father’s death and his greatest fears.

J.V. also shared insights on;

Western medicine isn’t always the best way to heal, and holistic techniques can be much more effective. Through harnessing the power that your body already possesses with things like hypnosis and visualization, and combining them with good diet and exercise you can heal yourself. J.V. is living proof of this. It is important to live your life with purpose and the only way you can truly be happy is if you look back on your last day on earth and say that you lived your life to its fullest.

Guest Bio

J.V. Crum, III, MBA, JD, MS Psychology, became a self-made millionaire entrepreneur and investor by his twenties. He is an author, speaker,

More and more companies fall out of the market because their fear of experiments and innovation drives stagnation in their development. What are they missing? How can we overcome our fear of failure and see it as a learning tool instead? What are the benefits of recognizing the need for innovation and creativity? All this and much more in this week's episode with Dr. Samuel West, who shares his experience and research on the benefits of failing.

You learn to walk by falling down - everything you know, you learn from failing. - Dr Samuel West

Takeaways

At the start of this episode, we talked to Dr. Samuel West about the importance of embracing failure as a chance to develop yourself and making your endeavors even more successful. Then Dr. West explained his concept behind his Museum of Failure and told us about some of the more interesting exhibits he's got on show. Afterwards, we got into the broader topic of introducing fun and improvisation into the workplace, discussing both the benefits and the risks of that model. Towards the end, Dr. West recapped why failure is an important asset to embrace and what constitutes a higher risk of failure.

Dr. West also talked about;

As a society, we've been educated to fear failure and to avoid it for the sake of success. By avoiding opportunity for creativity and innovation because we're afraid of failing, we risk falling behind our competitors, who are swiftly moving with the times. Fun and doing things for the sake of it can sometimes lead to amazing, groundbreaking results - or not, but that's okay. Imitating big risk-takers such as Amazon and Google and encouraging a positive and proactive attitude towards failure can help any company or individual maximize their potential to the fullest.

Guest Bio: