Ep.180: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by David Dodson (@Dave-Dodson).

My guest today is David Dodson. David is an investor, former CEO, professor at Stanford, and as of July 13th, 2023, an influential author having published his first book, The Manager’s Handbook. I read an advance copy ahead of the recording and was incredibly impressed with how strategic and tactical it was in showing you how to become a more productive leader.

The book examines the five essential managerial skills David has observed across some of the most ambitious CEOs he knows, and it’s written in a format designed for busy leaders who don’t have time for fluff. Given this show’s focus on ambitious CEOs and David’s wide reach across the CEO world, I can’t think of a better guest or topic for this show. Enjoy our conversation, and I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Manager’s Handbook.

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Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:

Pick up a copy of The Manager's Handbook by David Dodson

David on LinkedIn

Timestamps:

(00:05:21) David’s experience as a first-time author

(00:10:39) The decision to design the book for busy people

(00:12:29) The challenge for CEOs to read given their time constraints

(00:15:14) The 5 skills that are common among great leaders

(00:23:56) How readers can apply the book’s lessons to their company

(00:28:20) How to improve meetings

(00:33:24) Radical Candor

(00:39:41) The impact effective communication has on the 5 skills

(00:48:48) Thoughts on good hiring

(00:51:52) Successfully onboarding a new hire

(00:55:34) Knowing when to fire an employee

(00:57:27) The fanatical custodian of time

(01:02:16) Best email & Slack habits

(01:10:52) What section David would add to the next revision