My Perfect Path

From Accountant to Investor: Kurt Wilkin's Entrepreneurial Journey


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Check out Kurt's podcast on how to find your unlocking skills to become an entrepreneur: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLby7E682NE-On_xZt7XqGlJpi8PiJAfCt


My "Strength-Finding" Path

Ever wondered how some people navigate from corporate careers to becoming successful entrepreneurs and investors? Kurt Wilkin's journey offers a masterclass in finding your path through uncertainty and challenge.

Kurt didn't become an entrepreneur because of passion or a brilliant idea – he did it because he needed to feed his family after the dot-com bubble burst. With a new baby at home and bills to pay, he started a consulting firm out of necessity. This decision would eventually lead him to build and sell a multi-million dollar company, co-found Hire Better, and become managing partner at Bee Cave Capital, where he's invested in over 200 startups.

What separates Kurt's approach from typical business advice is his philosophy on personal strengths. Rather than trying to become well-rounded by improving weaknesses, Kurt advocates doubling down on what you're naturally good at: "Focus on your strengths and be really good at what you're good at... there's people that can do things that you suck at better, cheaper, quicker." This realization transformed his leadership style and became the foundation for his book "Who's Your Mike?", which explores the common challenge of loyal employees who get promoted beyond their capabilities as companies grow.

Throughout our conversation, Kurt shares candid insights from both his successes and failures. He reveals why he always invests in people over ideas, what he's learned from board dynamics as both CEO and board member, and why entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. As he puts it, "For every success story you see, there's probably 10 to 20 years of blood, sweat and tears that went into that." His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Be comfortable being uncomfortable, be willing to do whatever it takes, and remember that things typically work out – just not always how you expect.

Looking for honest guidance about entrepreneurship and leadership from someone who's been in the trenches? This conversation with Kurt Wilkin delivers precisely that. Check out his podcast "Unlocking Moves" for more insights from his extensive experience.

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My Perfect PathBy Daniel Koo