00:00

Let's go outside of the the tech world. So, two brands that that I, am looking at that have lasted a long time. Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton has lasted maybe two hundred and fifty years now. And when you think of Louis Vuitton, you know what you're getting. Same with New York Times. New York Times has been around for two hundred and fifty years. Not everyone likes them. But you know what they're pursuing, which is their version of the truth. But then let's go to Raising Cane. You ever been to Raising Cane? Of course. I love Raising Cane. I met the founder of Raising Cane's once. He is awesome.

Let's go outside of the the tech world. So, two brands that that I, am looking at that have lasted a long time. Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton has lasted maybe two hundred and fifty years now. And when you think of Louis Vuitton, you know what you're getting. Same with New York Times. New York Times has been around for two hundred and fifty years. Not everyone likes them. But you know what they're pursuing, which is their version of the truth. But then let's go to Raising Cane. You ever been to Raising Cane? Of course. I love Raising Cane. I met the founder of Raising Cane's once. He is awesome.

00:37

We're live. What's going on? What up? How are you?

We're live. What's going on? What up? How are you?

00:41

I'm thriving. Alright. Good. So I've been thinking about this conversation you and I had. We talked about outsourcing,

I'm thriving. Alright. Good. So I've been thinking about this conversation you and I had. We talked about outsourcing,

00:47

and I'm actually gonna put a lot of words in your mouth. You didn't actually say everything

and I'm actually gonna put a lot of words in your mouth. You didn't actually say everything

00:51

I I'm I'm implying that you said a lot of stuff, which you didn't exactly say. So so you're kind of more of a representation,

I I'm I'm implying that you said a lot of stuff, which you didn't exactly say. So so you're kind of more of a representation,

00:58

but Rob Dierdick said something amazing. On this pot,

but Rob Dierdick said something amazing. On this pot,

01:02

a few pods ago. He said two amazing things. One, he goes, if I just do these he goes, I was what did he say? He goes, I was making was looking for these twenty, thirty million dollar wins. Instead,

a few pods ago. He said two amazing things. One, he goes, if I just do these he goes, I was what did he say? He goes, I was making was looking for these twenty, thirty million dollar wins. Instead,

01:13

I'm gonna look at and I would do, like, twelve of them instead. He goes, instead, I'm actually only gonna do one or two things and I'm and I'm gonna hope that they're gonna be big. And then he also said he has this thing called forever estates. Do you remember when he talked about forever estates?

I'm gonna look at and I would do, like, twelve of them instead. He goes, instead, I'm actually only gonna do one or two things and I'm and I'm gonna hope that they're gonna be big. And then he also said he has this thing called forever estates. Do you remember when he talked about forever estates?

01:25

So afterwards, he sent me mock ups of this. And I, like, Googled the architect and everything, and there was this really cool article that they Rob and the architect wrote together. So forever it states Rob said, I wanna build this home. Basically, he said he had twelve million dollars liquid at the time, ten million dollars. He went and bought this plot of land. And then he goes, to build the home I want, it's gonna cost thirty million dollars.

So afterwards, he sent me mock ups of this. And I, like, Googled the architect and everything, and there was this really cool article that they Rob and the architect wrote together. So forever it states Rob said, I wanna build this home. Basically, he said he had twelve million dollars liquid at the time, ten million dollars. He went and bought this plot of land. And then he goes, to build the home I want, it's gonna cost thirty million dollars.

01:46

At the time, I didn't have that. And I it sounds like he maybe he he has it now. He was like, basically, I wanna build this home where the Dyrdic family for many generations can meet at this home to discuss

At the time, I didn't have that. And I it sounds like he maybe he he has it now. He was like, basically, I wanna build this home where the Dyrdic family for many generations can meet at this home to discuss

01:58

family planning and family issues and things like that. And so I'm gonna build this home exactly how I want it. And we're gonna call it forever as states because hopefully it lives forever. I found that very inspiring. Did you find that inspiring? Loved it. Loved it. I love when people take an absurdly long view.

family planning and family issues and things like that. And so I'm gonna build this home exactly how I want it. And we're gonna call it forever as states because hopefully it lives forever. I found that very inspiring. Did you find that inspiring? Loved it. Loved it. I love when people take an absurdly long view.

02:13

And more than anything, I love what people have a vision for their life and what they're doing. When somebody's got a clear and compelling vision for their life, that is like one of the most attractive traits to me. It doesn't even matter if I agree with that vision. It's that they have that vision and that they agree with that vision is what matters.

And more than anything, I love what people have a vision for their life and what they're doing. When somebody's got a clear and compelling vision for their life, that is like one of the most attractive traits to me. It doesn't even matter if I agree with that vision. It's that they have that vision and that they agree with that vision is what matters.

02:29

I thought it was awesome, and he sent me mock ups of the home and I was like, dude, this is so inspiring. And so I got I got all up hot and bothered about this. It was awesome to me. And so I started thinking about companies that can last a long time.

I thought it was awesome, and he sent me mock ups of the home and I was like, dude, this is so inspiring. And so I got I got all up hot and bothered about this. It was awesome to me. And so I started thinking about companies that can last a long time.

02:41

I've been a little bit obsessed with this because with Hampton, things are going well. We're not a success yet, but it's very clear that, like, I always tell our team, physics will allow this to work. There's demand. I've got a good audience for this. We've got a good team.

I've been a little bit obsessed with this because with Hampton, things are going well. We're not a success yet, but it's very clear that, like, I always tell our team, physics will allow this to work. There's demand. I've got a good audience for this. We've got a good team.

02:56

Physics allows us to exist. There's nothing that gets in the way of this. We're already somewhat successful. The only question is how great will it become And I'm starting to think how do you create something that lasts fifty

Physics allows us to exist. There's nothing that gets in the way of this. We're already somewhat successful. The only question is how great will it become And I'm starting to think how do you create something that lasts fifty

03:07

or a hundred years, whatever it is?

or a hundred years, whatever it is?

03:09

And the word brand that I've been thinking about a lot. And I think you and I, as well as our audience, we get in these, like, short term

And the word brand that I've been thinking about a lot. And I think you and I, as well as our audience, we get in these, like, short term

03:17

thinking, and we use, like, the a word. The arbitrage word, or we use, like, we use these certain words that people actually don't think about branding. They don't think about soul. And I've been thinking a lot about that lately. And there's this book that I'm, reading where it's called lessons from the century or lessons from the century company's club. So it's like this one woman studied, like, companies that have lasted a hundred years, and she's like, what do what do they all have in common? And I've been thinking a lot about that. And you brought up something. You said you invested in company sheppard, which I think is awesome. I actually am starting to use them.

thinking, and we use, like, the a word. The arbitrage word, or we use, like, we use these certain words that people actually don't think about branding. They don't think about soul. And I've been thinking a lot about that lately. And there's this book that I'm, reading where it's called lessons from the century or lessons from the century company's club. So it's like this one woman studied, like, companies that have lasted a hundred years, and she's like, what do what do they all have in common? And I've been thinking a lot about that. And you brought up something. You said you invested in company sheppard, which I think is awesome. I actually am starting to use them.

03:48

I'll give you a plug. Is it Grow Sheppard or support sheppard? Dot com. Yeah. Support shepard dot com. You talked about that investment,

I'll give you a plug. Is it Grow Sheppard or support sheppard? Dot com. Yeah. Support shepard dot com. You talked about that investment,

03:55

in the company, and it's and you're talking about outsourcing. It's basically you hire people in the Philippines. I think also Latin America and they do a bunch of odd jobs, but you said something like I wanna hire tons of these people. And I started thinking about that. I started thinking should I do that? And then I realized I shouldn't do that.

in the company, and it's and you're talking about outsourcing. It's basically you hire people in the Philippines. I think also Latin America and they do a bunch of odd jobs, but you said something like I wanna hire tons of these people. And I started thinking about that. I started thinking should I do that? And then I realized I shouldn't do that.

04:11

Because

Because

04:12

you I actually should do that for some roles. But but the thing that, like, you should do it for some roles, but I had this, like, site that's like, Hampton retreat with, like, a bunch of our employees. And I realized you have to build a real strong company culture, and you have to figure out how you keep employees for a long time. And that's one of the key keys to building a brand that can last a long time. And I wanted to hear

you I actually should do that for some roles. But but the thing that, like, you should do it for some roles, but I had this, like, site that's like, Hampton retreat with, like, a bunch of our employees. And I realized you have to build a real strong company culture, and you have to figure out how you keep employees for a long time. And that's one of the key keys to building a brand that can last a long time. And I wanted to hear

04:34

how are you

how are you

04:35

And this, by the way, this topic is not that exciting for anyone who's in survival mode. This topic is more exciting for people who are in, like, Thrive mode, where it's, like, I got this thing working. To be clear, the first phase of the company is just build something that people want and figure out if you can get it to them.

And this, by the way, this topic is not that exciting for anyone who's in survival mode. This topic is more exciting for people who are in, like, Thrive mode, where it's, like, I got this thing working. To be clear, the first phase of the company is just build something that people want and figure out if you can get it to them.

04:50

Right. Don't worry about culture. Don't worry about brand. Don't worry about the forever plan. Don't worry about the twenty five year vision.

Right. Don't worry about culture. Don't worry about brand. Don't worry about the forever plan. Don't worry about the twenty five year vision.

04:58

None of it's gonna matter if you can't do the first thing. Sam has done the first thing with Hampton. He has proven that he can create something that people actually want, and he could sell it to them. So now he's thinking long you know,

None of it's gonna matter if you can't do the first thing. Sam has done the first thing with Hampton. He has proven that he can create something that people actually want, and he could sell it to them. So now he's thinking long you know,

05:09

and now you get what I call progressive ambition.

and now you get what I call progressive ambition.

05:12

I wanna do a whole video on progressive ambition. I'm gonna show people

I wanna do a whole video on progressive ambition. I'm gonna show people

05:16

If you go back and you watch Mark Zuckerberg's early interviews,

If you go back and you watch Mark Zuckerberg's early interviews,

05:20

and people are like, where does this go from here? You're on eight campuses now. You're where are you gonna can I open this up to everybody high school or everything? He goes He's like fifty schools. He's like, well, you know, our goal is to get to, you know, all the major colleges.

and people are like, where does this go from here? You're on eight campuses now. You're where are you gonna can I open this up to everybody high school or everything? He goes He's like fifty schools. He's like, well, you know, our goal is to get to, you know, all the major colleges.

05:33

I'm not sure. Everyone keeps saying why, you know, expand expand expand. Some things are cooler when you don't expand. And I don't think what do we have to open up to everybody? I'm not sure. I mean, some some things are really we could build something really, really useful for college students. Maybe we should just do that.

I'm not sure. Everyone keeps saying why, you know, expand expand expand. Some things are cooler when you don't expand. And I don't think what do we have to open up to everybody? I'm not sure. I mean, some some things are really we could build something really, really useful for college students. Maybe we should just do that.

05:47

And then now the guy's like,

And then now the guy's like,

05:50

created, like, hot air balloons that give internet to farmers in India so that they can use Facebook. Right? It's like the he got progressively more ambitious as he went along. And that's Which is a crazy story in itself, by the way. Facebook, I think Sarah helped to work on this or something at Facebook. Facebook basically puts these planes over India

created, like, hot air balloons that give internet to farmers in India so that they can use Facebook. Right? It's like the he got progressively more ambitious as he went along. And that's Which is a crazy story in itself, by the way. Facebook, I think Sarah helped to work on this or something at Facebook. Facebook basically puts these planes over India

06:09

So any Indian can access internet because the issue with growth of Facebook is they literally have everyone on the internet. So they have to create more internet for people. They gotta create a bit more TAM

So any Indian can access internet because the issue with growth of Facebook is they literally have everyone on the internet. So they have to create more internet for people. They gotta create a bit more TAM

06:19

I'm like, we're damnming it up right now. Hold on. We gotta give more people the internet so they could use our app. But that's cool that it started where that that's a great phrase. Progressive ambition. Very common for different companies. You can go back. Oh, I've I'm a forensic.

I'm like, we're damnming it up right now. Hold on. We gotta give more people the internet so they could use our app. But that's cool that it started where that that's a great phrase. Progressive ambition. Very common for different companies. You can go back. Oh, I've I'm a forensic.

06:31

I'm a I'm a archaeologist.

I'm a I'm a archaeologist.

06:33

I go back into the to go study the early origins of these companies, and you find this very, very commonly

I go back into the to go study the early origins of these companies, and you find this very, very commonly

06:39

that

that

06:40

they start with a sort of humble ambition

they start with a sort of humble ambition

06:43

Then as things start to work, they snowball their ambition. They become more and more ambitious as they go realizing the opportunity is wider and bigger than they had initially

Then as things start to work, they snowball their ambition. They become more and more ambitious as they go realizing the opportunity is wider and bigger than they had initially

06:52

you know, planned for, and that one step of success earns the right to go for the next step of success, and that it is okay to ladder up. Because what most people do is they look at them today and they say,

you know, planned for, and that one step of success earns the right to go for the next step of success, and that it is okay to ladder up. Because what most people do is they look at them today and they say,

07:04

well, now they're trying to do a, b, c, and d. So I, when I start, need to also plan for a, b, c, and d. And it's actually like, no. You actually just start with a. You you don't actually have to do anything else. Of course, there are exceptions. There's Elon Musk saying we're gonna, you know, but, you know, even Elon, for example, let's take one of the most ambitious companies in the world, SpaceX.

well, now they're trying to do a, b, c, and d. So I, when I start, need to also plan for a, b, c, and d. And it's actually like, no. You actually just start with a. You you don't actually have to do anything else. Of course, there are exceptions. There's Elon Musk saying we're gonna, you know, but, you know, even Elon, for example, let's take one of the most ambitious companies in the world, SpaceX.

07:23

Right? What's the goal? What's the mission statement? It's like make the human species multiplanetary

Right? What's the goal? What's the mission statement? It's like make the human species multiplanetary

07:28

so we can survive when we were on earth.

so we can survive when we were on earth.

07:30

Or earth gets, you know, hit by an asteroid or whatever. And so

Or earth gets, you know, hit by an asteroid or whatever. And so

07:34

It's like, wow, what's more ambitious than creating a rock literally rocket science to create rockets

It's like, wow, what's more ambitious than creating a rock literally rocket science to create rockets

07:40

that will eventually take us to live on Mars. Wow. That's like the biggest vision ever.

that will eventually take us to live on Mars. Wow. That's like the biggest vision ever.

07:45

When SpaceX started, his initial vision

When SpaceX started, his initial vision

07:49

was

was

07:49

to do a test demonstration

to do a test demonstration

07:51

sending a plant in a rocket

sending a plant in a rocket

07:54

into a certain, like, a certain height. I don't remember exactly where it was. To, you know, have the first living thing you know, go out of, you know, past the moon or whatever wherever you're trying to take it. And that's all we wanna do is just take a plant out there. And he's like, oh, I'll just fund this, you know, it'll take me twenty million dollars, but it'll inspire people towards science. And, you know, hopefully NASA will then fund real Mars missions after that. And then only,

into a certain, like, a certain height. I don't remember exactly where it was. To, you know, have the first living thing you know, go out of, you know, past the moon or whatever wherever you're trying to take it. And that's all we wanna do is just take a plant out there. And he's like, oh, I'll just fund this, you know, it'll take me twenty million dollars, but it'll inspire people towards science. And, you know, hopefully NASA will then fund real Mars missions after that. And then only,

08:17

you know, along the way, he's like, you know what? Screw this plant thing. I'm gonna let's actually do it ourselves. We don't need to inspire NASA. Let's just do the whole thing ourselves. He also got progressively more ambitious.

you know, along the way, he's like, you know what? Screw this plant thing. I'm gonna let's actually do it ourselves. We don't need to inspire NASA. Let's just do the whole thing ourselves. He also got progressively more ambitious.

08:27

And also when he first started, he started a thing called Zip two, which I'm almost certain, it's basically like putting the yellow pages on the internet. Which I'm sure he had some cute way of spinning it where it was a grand plan, but it he made twenty million dollars off of it, which is a lot of money. He was, like, in his head, he's like, I gotta get my nut. You know what I'm saying? He's like, you see, every every human has a number, a phone number, and you can reach them. Is one of the most marvelous things in the world. And you need a way to reach them. It's information. You know, he'll he'll make anything sound fancy. But, actually, one of the interesting things is Elon is also credited as, like, you know, the, you know, he found he created PayPal. He didn't actually create PayPal.

And also when he first started, he started a thing called Zip two, which I'm almost certain, it's basically like putting the yellow pages on the internet. Which I'm sure he had some cute way of spinning it where it was a grand plan, but it he made twenty million dollars off of it, which is a lot of money. He was, like, in his head, he's like, I gotta get my nut. You know what I'm saying? He's like, you see, every every human has a number, a phone number, and you can reach them. Is one of the most marvelous things in the world. And you need a way to reach them. It's information. You know, he'll he'll make anything sound fancy. But, actually, one of the interesting things is Elon is also credited as, like, you know, the, you know, he found he created PayPal. He didn't actually create PayPal.

09:04

You know, PayPal, the product

You know, PayPal, the product

09:06

was

was

09:07

created by, you know, first Max Levchin and Peter Till. But even then, when they merged with Elon's company, he had this big vision for x dot com. He's like x dot com. It's gonna be everybody's full financial life. It's gonna be banking. It's gonna be mortgages. It's gonna be loans. It's gonna be sending money. It's gonna be savings accounts. It's gonna be all things to all people. And that was the vision for x dot com. When they merged, Elon was the CEO of the merged company, and the plan was to create x dot com.

created by, you know, first Max Levchin and Peter Till. But even then, when they merged with Elon's company, he had this big vision for x dot com. He's like x dot com. It's gonna be everybody's full financial life. It's gonna be banking. It's gonna be mortgages. It's gonna be loans. It's gonna be sending money. It's gonna be savings accounts. It's gonna be all things to all people. And that was the vision for x dot com. When they merged, Elon was the CEO of the merged company, and the plan was to create x dot com.

09:34

And so he had this big audacious, crazy vision,

And so he had this big audacious, crazy vision,

09:38

his forever plan, about how he's just gonna change the whole financial system.

his forever plan, about how he's just gonna change the whole financial system.

09:42

And actually, the only thing that worked was going back to the basics. Let's make something that people actually want and see if we can get it to them. And it was like, Oh, yeah. EBay sellers would love a way for people to to pay the money when they send them the, like, beanie babies. And so literally was send money via e send money via email, small amounts,

And actually, the only thing that worked was going back to the basics. Let's make something that people actually want and see if we can get it to them. And it was like, Oh, yeah. EBay sellers would love a way for people to to pay the money when they send them the, like, beanie babies. And so literally was send money via e send money via email, small amounts,

09:59

Hang a pal was the was the actual use case that people wanted and needed. And it was only when they essentially booted him out and focused on that small use case, the smaller vision, did PayPal actually take off. And so, you know, sometimes you almost have the the reverse or you start to audacious and actually you needed you you you skipped the step of finding that initial foothold, and that that's what PayPal actually did. And here's the rub. Which is which is very similar to that that that that I'm experiencing

Hang a pal was the was the actual use case that people wanted and needed. And it was only when they essentially booted him out and focused on that small use case, the smaller vision, did PayPal actually take off. And so, you know, sometimes you almost have the the reverse or you start to audacious and actually you needed you you you skipped the step of finding that initial foothold, and that that's what PayPal actually did. And here's the rub. Which is which is very similar to that that that that I'm experiencing

10:27

that I'm trying to think about, which is how do you balance

that I'm trying to think about, which is how do you balance

10:31

So so in order to build a company that lasts a long time, you need a you need a few things, which I could talk about, but you

So so in order to build a company that lasts a long time, you need a you need a few things, which I could talk about, but you

10:37

it it starts with having a brand. It starts with having a very clear defined purpose.

it it starts with having a brand. It starts with having a very clear defined purpose.

10:41

It starts with having you have to have employees you wanna work with for a long time, and there's a bunch of things. But how do you balance paying the bills?

It starts with having you have to have employees you wanna work with for a long time, and there's a bunch of things. But how do you balance paying the bills?

10:49

And taking customers and also, like, having this mission that might be polarizing to people. And I'm trying to figure out when is that transition? Do you always have it? And that's something that I'm that I'm constantly thinking about now, which is like where I don't think it's a switch. I think you have to have it embedded in your culture early on.

And taking customers and also, like, having this mission that might be polarizing to people. And I'm trying to figure out when is that transition? Do you always have it? And that's something that I'm that I'm constantly thinking about now, which is like where I don't think it's a switch. I think you have to have it embedded in your culture early on.

11:08

But where do you make sacrifices? Where do you make sacrifices? I I'm not sure. I'm not sure on on on going from

But where do you make sacrifices? Where do you make sacrifices? I I'm not sure. I'm not sure on on on going from

11:15

short term to long term thinking how that happens. And that's something that I've been thinking a lot about lately. So it's hard to kinda give advice without any specifics, but I'll

short term to long term thinking how that happens. And that's something that I've been thinking a lot about lately. So it's hard to kinda give advice without any specifics, but I'll

11:23

Do it anyways. I'll be the advice guy for a second. So when when I was doing my very first company, it was a stupid company. We're trying to do the gonna make a a restaurant chain, the Chipotle of sushi.

Do it anyways. I'll be the advice guy for a second. So when when I was doing my very first company, it was a stupid company. We're trying to do the gonna make a a restaurant chain, the Chipotle of sushi.

11:34

And we had all these micro decisions to make, like any business does on a day to day basis. Should we use this packaging or this packaging for our thing? Well, this one cost cost more and looks better, but this other one, you know, we would have better margins because it costs less. And then there's this other one that's eco friendly and blah blah blah. And so One of our mentors at Duke, she,

And we had all these micro decisions to make, like any business does on a day to day basis. Should we use this packaging or this packaging for our thing? Well, this one cost cost more and looks better, but this other one, you know, we would have better margins because it costs less. And then there's this other one that's eco friendly and blah blah blah. And so One of our mentors at Duke, she,

11:53

sat us down, and she's like, guys,

sat us down, and she's like, guys,

11:55

you're having the wrong conversation. Really, what do you mean? And she and she's like, it's not about packaging.

you're having the wrong conversation. Really, what do you mean? And she and she's like, it's not about packaging.

12:00

So what what do you mean? She's like, well,

So what what do you mean? She's like, well,

12:03

what let me ask you this. What decision

what let me ask you this. What decision

12:06

Would what decision can you make upstream of this that would make your packaging decision obvious?

Would what decision can you make upstream of this that would make your packaging decision obvious?

12:11

I was like, we don't really get it. She's like, you gotta know what do you value?

I was like, we don't really get it. She's like, you gotta know what do you value?

12:15

Right. Are you about ruthless efficiency and margins? Because if so,

Right. Are you about ruthless efficiency and margins? Because if so,

12:19

then the choice is obvious. There's no choice. Alright. You just choose the one with the the cheap packaging with the best margins.

then the choice is obvious. There's no choice. Alright. You just choose the one with the the cheap packaging with the best margins.

12:25

Or are you about

Or are you about

12:27

are you is your number one value, the quality of the customer experience? Because if

are you is your number one value, the quality of the customer experience? Because if

12:32

you the customer experience. You definitely not gonna choose a cheap one, but you also won't choose the eco one that's gonna kinda melt, you know, that's the old paper straws problem. It's not actually the best product, but it is eco friendly. Like, so if you're all about product quality, that's what you're gonna gonna go all in on, that's your number one value, then the packaging decisions obvious. Same thing with the other side. If you're all about sustainability, if that's your number one value, then the decision is obvious. She's like, you don't know which packaging to pick because you don't know what you stand for. You don't know your values. And she's like, what you wanna do is figure out your values, number one. So what are the things you value more than more than other things? Because they're and and you only know what you value when you're choosing amongst good options. It's obvious to value something when you have a good option and a bad option. There's no you you didn't test your values there. Your values only get tested when you have

you the customer experience. You definitely not gonna choose a cheap one, but you also won't choose the eco one that's gonna kinda melt, you know, that's the old paper straws problem. It's not actually the best product, but it is eco friendly. Like, so if you're all about product quality, that's what you're gonna gonna go all in on, that's your number one value, then the packaging decisions obvious. Same thing with the other side. If you're all about sustainability, if that's your number one value, then the decision is obvious. She's like, you don't know which packaging to pick because you don't know what you stand for. You don't know your values. And she's like, what you wanna do is figure out your values, number one. So what are the things you value more than more than other things? Because they're and and you only know what you value when you're choosing amongst good options. It's obvious to value something when you have a good option and a bad option. There's no you you didn't test your values there. Your values only get tested when you have

13:20

multiple good options, but they're good in different ways. And that's when you need to know. Which one do we value?

multiple good options, but they're good in different ways. And that's when you need to know. Which one do we value?

13:26

The second thing that she said was,

The second thing that she said was,

13:29

Jeff Bezos has this great quote where he goes, they're like, oh, you know, Amazon has been around forever. And,

Jeff Bezos has this great quote where he goes, they're like, oh, you know, Amazon has been around forever. And,

13:35

you guys have just kept growing and growing and growing and, you know, through every innovation cycle, you know, the internet, mobile phones, whatever, Amazon has been cloud. Yeah. Amazon has done great. How do you stay on top of the curve? And he goes? Because we don't look for trends.

you guys have just kept growing and growing and growing and, you know, through every innovation cycle, you know, the internet, mobile phones, whatever, Amazon has been cloud. Yeah. Amazon has done great. How do you stay on top of the curve? And he goes? Because we don't look for trends.

13:48

He goes, we ask ourselves the opposite question. Instead of saying what's gonna change, we say what's not gonna change. So, basically, he's like, we're customer obsessed That's the number one value for them. And then he's like, number two, we ask, what's not gonna change? Oh, p are people ever gonna want less selection? No. Are they ever gonna want higher prices? No. Are they ever gonna want slower delivery? No. Okay. Cool. So now we know that those are never the never changing things. So all we gotta do is how to fig figure out how to give them more selection lower prices and faster delivery. That's what they care about. They're never gonna not care about those things. They're always gonna care, and all we gotta do is just continually find a way to do that. So I think that gives you a sort of long term orientation. Like, for Hampton,

He goes, we ask ourselves the opposite question. Instead of saying what's gonna change, we say what's not gonna change. So, basically, he's like, we're customer obsessed That's the number one value for them. And then he's like, number two, we ask, what's not gonna change? Oh, p are people ever gonna want less selection? No. Are they ever gonna want higher prices? No. Are they ever gonna want slower delivery? No. Okay. Cool. So now we know that those are never the never changing things. So all we gotta do is how to fig figure out how to give them more selection lower prices and faster delivery. That's what they care about. They're never gonna not care about those things. They're always gonna care, and all we gotta do is just continually find a way to do that. So I think that gives you a sort of long term orientation. Like, for Hampton,

14:28

what would you say are the never gonna change things?

what would you say are the never gonna change things?

14:31

I've gotta figure that out frankly. When I started, it was the same thing as Zuckerberg, which was I just wanna, like, be around smart people. Do you know what I mean? Are people ever gonna wanna be around lower quality founders? No. They're always gonna want that bar going up that they look in their peer group and they're in awe. How did I get in this room? Right? I think that's gonna be the first feeling you wanna create is holy shit. All the other people in my group are awesome. I can't wait to talk to these people. Right? That's gonna be, I think, always the number one, the quality of the other members in their group to them. And then I I think the the the thing I would think about is they're always gonna want their peers to be committed. So you have if it so we've been thinking about, well, what happens if you don't show up to a meeting? It's like, well, we should just ban them. Let's ban them. You miss one of the short term. Both of those things we mentioned hurts revenue. Because if you make the door -- Exactly. -- wanna increase revenue, why didn't the door baby let them all in? Now let everybody who wants to pay the bill come in. Okay. But now you've ruined the of member problem. You know, the long term people will never want this to go in that direction. You're you're screwing that up for short term profit. Same thing on the people don't show up. You banned them. Or you also, you know, have to go ahead and remove that subscription revenue from from the from from the old stripe account. And so you're not gonna wanna do that either.

I've gotta figure that out frankly. When I started, it was the same thing as Zuckerberg, which was I just wanna, like, be around smart people. Do you know what I mean? Are people ever gonna wanna be around lower quality founders? No. They're always gonna want that bar going up that they look in their peer group and they're in awe. How did I get in this room? Right? I think that's gonna be the first feeling you wanna create is holy shit. All the other people in my group are awesome. I can't wait to talk to these people. Right? That's gonna be, I think, always the number one, the quality of the other members in their group to them. And then I I think the the the thing I would think about is they're always gonna want their peers to be committed. So you have if it so we've been thinking about, well, what happens if you don't show up to a meeting? It's like, well, we should just ban them. Let's ban them. You miss one of the short term. Both of those things we mentioned hurts revenue. Because if you make the door -- Exactly. -- wanna increase revenue, why didn't the door baby let them all in? Now let everybody who wants to pay the bill come in. Okay. But now you've ruined the of member problem. You know, the long term people will never want this to go in that direction. You're you're screwing that up for short term profit. Same thing on the people don't show up. You banned them. Or you also, you know, have to go ahead and remove that subscription revenue from from the from from the old stripe account. And so you're not gonna wanna do that either.

15:43

But it will only happen if you take this long term orientation

But it will only happen if you take this long term orientation

15:48

and say, no. No. The thing we value the most is people want a product or it's high quality people that show up and care about this community about this group. And if either of those two, we we every decision has to be first and foremost from that point of view. Does this increase the quality of our members or decrease it? Does this increase the commitment levels or decrease it? And I also think that so you you're given the example of Facebook and Amazon. And I looked at those as examples as well, but let's go outside of the the tech world. So two brands that that I, am looking at that have lasted a long time, Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton has lasted maybe two hundred and fifty years now. And when you think of Louis Vuitton, you know what you're getting. Same at New York Times. New York Times has been around for two hundred and fifty not everyone likes them, but you know what they're pursuing, which is their version of the truth. But then let's go to Raising Cane. You ever been to Raising Cane before I do love raising Caine's. I met the founder of raising Caine's once. He is awesome. You guys got a I don't know his name, but Google raising Caine's founder and, like, watch talks with this guy. He's like a southern boy. I think from Louisiana, he started a chicken finger place. I think at LSU. And if you go to Racing King's now, here's what you're gonna they all all they sell is chicken fingers. You can basically get them deep,

and say, no. No. The thing we value the most is people want a product or it's high quality people that show up and care about this community about this group. And if either of those two, we we every decision has to be first and foremost from that point of view. Does this increase the quality of our members or decrease it? Does this increase the commitment levels or decrease it? And I also think that so you you're given the example of Facebook and Amazon. And I looked at those as examples as well, but let's go outside of the the tech world. So two brands that that I, am looking at that have lasted a long time, Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton has lasted maybe two hundred and fifty years now. And when you think of Louis Vuitton, you know what you're getting. Same at New York Times. New York Times has been around for two hundred and fifty not everyone likes them, but you know what they're pursuing, which is their version of the truth. But then let's go to Raising Cane. You ever been to Raising Cane before I do love raising Caine's. I met the founder of raising Caine's once. He is awesome. You guys got a I don't know his name, but Google raising Caine's founder and, like, watch talks with this guy. He's like a southern boy. I think from Louisiana, he started a chicken finger place. I think at LSU. And if you go to Racing King's now, here's what you're gonna they all all they sell is chicken fingers. You can basically get them deep,

16:56

breaded and deep fried or not breaded and deep fried. And then I think they only sell fried?

breaded and deep fried or not breaded and deep fried. And then I think they only sell fried?

17:02

Or do you pride or obesity fried? Which one do you want? Yeah. Like, there's, like, there's only there's no options, and you get it on a styrofoam

Or do you pride or obesity fried? Which one do you want? Yeah. Like, there's, like, there's only there's no options, and you get it on a styrofoam

17:10

like a styrofoam,

like a styrofoam,

17:12

like,

like,

17:13

school lunchbox, like, type of thing. And they're not fancy, but you know what you're gonna get every time, and he's, like, adamant. He's like, we are gonna perfect this. We're gonna get this. It's gonna be fried the exact same time every single time. And it's not sophisticated, but you know what you're gonna get? Another brand that I like

school lunchbox, like, type of thing. And they're not fancy, but you know what you're gonna get every time, and he's, like, adamant. He's like, we are gonna perfect this. We're gonna get this. It's gonna be fried the exact same time every single time. And it's not sophisticated, but you know what you're gonna get? Another brand that I like

17:28

fucking dollar general. Do you ever go to a dollar general? Yeah. Of course.

fucking dollar general. Do you ever go to a dollar general? Yeah. Of course.

17:32

Dude. It's it's not sophisticated. It's a higher you know, there's gonna have a ton of stuff and it's gonna be low quality and it's gonna be affordable. You know what you're gonna get every time. So I don't think you need this sophisticated,

Dude. It's it's not sophisticated. It's a higher you know, there's gonna have a ton of stuff and it's gonna be low quality and it's gonna be affordable. You know what you're gonna get every time. So I don't think you need this sophisticated,

17:42

like, it's day one here at Amazon. And we're, like, no. You don't need that. You could you could have, like no. Like, we're Fashionova. Like, it's cheap apparel that, you know, you don't have to make a lot of money and you could buy it, and we're always gonna be on top of shit. You don't need a lot of that stuff,

like, it's day one here at Amazon. And we're, like, no. You don't need that. You could you could have, like no. Like, we're Fashionova. Like, it's cheap apparel that, you know, you don't have to make a lot of money and you could buy it, and we're always gonna be on top of shit. You don't need a lot of that stuff,

17:58

that high end, like, sophisticated stuff. You can be anything. But it's just cool that, like, to see people who are adamant about what they are and they just deliver value every time or at least they're they're focused on the brand. So anyway, that's my spiel about that And the reason I was thinking about it was because you were talking about outsourcing stuff, and I'm like, oh, that definitely seems cheaper. But is is it cheaper for every role in the long term because you have to build in order to build a brand that lasts long time.

that high end, like, sophisticated stuff. You can be anything. But it's just cool that, like, to see people who are adamant about what they are and they just deliver value every time or at least they're they're focused on the brand. So anyway, that's my spiel about that And the reason I was thinking about it was because you were talking about outsourcing stuff, and I'm like, oh, that definitely seems cheaper. But is is it cheaper for every role in the long term because you have to build in order to build a brand that lasts long time.

18:21

And let's let's let's be straight here. This is all about, like, doing dope shit. It's also about making more I think you can make more money. If you drag out your Excel sheet, you're like, oh, this girl's thirty percent, twenty percent every year. Yeah. Drag that shit off for fifty years.

And let's let's let's be straight here. This is all about, like, doing dope shit. It's also about making more I think you can make more money. If you drag out your Excel sheet, you're like, oh, this girl's thirty percent, twenty percent every year. Yeah. Drag that shit off for fifty years.

18:34

See.

See.

18:34

Let's see what's going on over there.

Let's see what's going on over there.

18:37

Right. It this is it's this is also rooted in, like, adventure and fun, exciting, and agreed. So I don't wanna get that twisted.

Right. It this is it's this is also rooted in, like, adventure and fun, exciting, and agreed. So I don't wanna get that twisted.

18:43

But, anyway, you have people who wanna work for you for ten, twenty years. It gets really interesting, and I think you can actually, like, embed different things in the culture. Do you do you know White Castle? Heard a White Castle, you know, White that is right? Dude, White Castle, I fucking love White Castle. I went and looked at their, like, LinkedIn. I was trying to figure out their executive team, like, all of them have worked there for, like, thirty years. And I used to make fun of them. I'm like, oh, man, these fucking suits. I'm like, no, no, no, no, no, They know who their customer is, they know what they're doing, and they're you get the same shit every time, and it works because there are people who have worked there for fucking thirty years, and they, like, know what the company's about. So anyway, That's my rant rant over, but it's something I'm thinking about it. It's something I'm thinking about. I'm glad we just discussed this publicly. I'm actually gonna I was taking notes. Yeah. Yeah. Good.

But, anyway, you have people who wanna work for you for ten, twenty years. It gets really interesting, and I think you can actually, like, embed different things in the culture. Do you do you know White Castle? Heard a White Castle, you know, White that is right? Dude, White Castle, I fucking love White Castle. I went and looked at their, like, LinkedIn. I was trying to figure out their executive team, like, all of them have worked there for, like, thirty years. And I used to make fun of them. I'm like, oh, man, these fucking suits. I'm like, no, no, no, no, no, They know who their customer is, they know what they're doing, and they're you get the same shit every time, and it works because there are people who have worked there for fucking thirty years, and they, like, know what the company's about. So anyway, That's my rant rant over, but it's something I'm thinking about it. It's something I'm thinking about. I'm glad we just discussed this publicly. I'm actually gonna I was taking notes. Yeah. Yeah. Good.

19:25

I think that's cool. I'm I take the exact opposite point of view for the for the record.

I think that's cool. I'm I take the exact opposite point of view for the for the record.

19:29

I do not think about building things that are gonna last fifteen hundred years. I think that's really hard. I think it's unnecessary. I wanna be the thing that lasts fifty or a hundred years, not,

I do not think about building things that are gonna last fifteen hundred years. I think that's really hard. I think it's unnecessary. I wanna be the thing that lasts fifty or a hundred years, not,

19:38

an individual brand necessarily.

an individual brand necessarily.

19:40

Well, you are the brand. If that's the case. The way I think about it is this.

Well, you are the brand. If that's the case. The way I think about it is this.

19:44

It depends on how you want your career to go. Some people get really excited about building something and being a part of something and working on something for thirty years. I get more excited about taking, like, sort of seven year chapter arcs of my life and be like, cool.

It depends on how you want your career to go. Some people get really excited about building something and being a part of something and working on something for thirty years. I get more excited about taking, like, sort of seven year chapter arcs of my life and be like, cool.

19:57

I wanna have five you know, I only get one life to live.

I wanna have five you know, I only get one life to live.

20:00

I wanna experience all the things. I wanna ride all the rides. And so I do a, you know, I did a a a tour of duty on the I I lived in Australia and Indonesia and all these other places. That was fun. That was where on the great adventure. I moved to Silicon Valley in the heart of San Francisco,

I wanna experience all the things. I wanna ride all the rides. And so I do a, you know, I did a a a tour of duty on the I I lived in Australia and Indonesia and all these other places. That was fun. That was where on the great adventure. I moved to Silicon Valley in the heart of San Francisco,

20:15

and I tried to do the billion dollar startup thing. Now I'm doing this basically cash flowing business side of things and podcast and creating content. I'm a content creator now. That's interesting. That's fun in a in a new way. I'll shift at some point. You know, you know, seven years from now. I'm not gonna be a content creator anymore. Or I'm gonna shift the content. I'm gonna create TV shows or a stand up comedy set or something. Yeah. But you do realize that's all rooted. I'm gonna, like, jujitsu your ass. You realize this is all rooted in the same shit, which is, like,

and I tried to do the billion dollar startup thing. Now I'm doing this basically cash flowing business side of things and podcast and creating content. I'm a content creator now. That's interesting. That's fun in a in a new way. I'll shift at some point. You know, you know, seven years from now. I'm not gonna be a content creator anymore. Or I'm gonna shift the content. I'm gonna create TV shows or a stand up comedy set or something. Yeah. But you do realize that's all rooted. I'm gonna, like, jujitsu your ass. You realize this is all rooted in the same shit, which is, like,

20:42

your bra it it it is a consistent brand and you are changing the monetization. I might not even put my name on. Like, my name is not always gonna be front and center on everything. When your contact grader, it is, but other times it's not. For me, the more important thing is I'm not I'm not gonna bank on people recognizing my brand in order to do something. I do wanna accumulate enough financial freedom and runway so that I can go pursue things that don't have to make money right away.

your bra it it it is a consistent brand and you are changing the monetization. I might not even put my name on. Like, my name is not always gonna be front and center on everything. When your contact grader, it is, but other times it's not. For me, the more important thing is I'm not I'm not gonna bank on people recognizing my brand in order to do something. I do wanna accumulate enough financial freedom and runway so that I can go pursue things that don't have to make money right away.

21:07

And,

And,

21:08

and so, but but, you know, it's all about what you the vision for you, you have for yourself. So that's why I was talking about Rob Dierdek has this vision for his house. You you have a vision for Hampton, what you're trying to create as this long term enduring thing.

and so, but but, you know, it's all about what you the vision for you, you have for yourself. So that's why I was talking about Rob Dierdek has this vision for his house. You you have a vision for Hampton, what you're trying to create as this long term enduring thing.

21:20

I have a vision for my my life or my career that is chapters in episodic, and I wanna have that variety and new challenge where I have to, like, go become uncomfortable and try to get good at something new and learn a different, you know, sort of you know, go learn the dark arts of a different area of different different, all different industry, and go become a beginner again. That's something I get excited about more so than creating one thing that's gonna last a long time or I'm gonna be a part of for a long time. Is that a phrase we're gonna start using the dark arts? I mean, that's what you feel on. That's patent. Yeah, we I have to send royalties to him for saying that right now.

I have a vision for my my life or my career that is chapters in episodic, and I wanna have that variety and new challenge where I have to, like, go become uncomfortable and try to get good at something new and learn a different, you know, sort of you know, go learn the dark arts of a different area of different different, all different industry, and go become a beginner again. That's something I get excited about more so than creating one thing that's gonna last a long time or I'm gonna be a part of for a long time. Is that a phrase we're gonna start using the dark arts? I mean, that's what you feel on. That's patent. Yeah, we I have to send royalties to him for saying that right now.

21:53

Where do you wanna go?

Where do you wanna go?

21:55

Let's move on. Okay. I got two quick ideas for you. In general, I wanna say this, by the way. In this pod, I think we're gonna make a shift in how we create the content.

Let's move on. Okay. I got two quick ideas for you. In general, I wanna say this, by the way. In this pod, I think we're gonna make a shift in how we create the content.

22:04

So right now, every episode is this mishmash of

So right now, every episode is this mishmash of

22:07

breaking down a business, talking about frameworks,

breaking down a business, talking about frameworks,

22:10

an idea, business idea here or there. I think what we're gonna start to do is

an idea, business idea here or there. I think what we're gonna start to do is

22:16

segment them better or chunk them better, theme the episodes better. So you know what you're gonna get, and we just go really hard at one thing. So we're gonna do episodes where it's really hard on just ideas, business opportunities that we see. We're gonna go really hard on certain topics, like,

segment them better or chunk them better, theme the episodes better. So you know what you're gonna get, and we just go really hard at one thing. So we're gonna do episodes where it's really hard on just ideas, business opportunities that we see. We're gonna go really hard on certain topics, like,

22:31

one man businesses, or, you know, businesses have very few people, but just crush it. It's gonna be a lot harder for us to do the prep for that, but I think it'll make for much better So, we've been talking a bit little about that. I think we should put it out there that we wanna we wanna start doing that. But until then, let's mismatch a little bit. I got an idea for you. So Okay. If you made a grid

one man businesses, or, you know, businesses have very few people, but just crush it. It's gonna be a lot harder for us to do the prep for that, but I think it'll make for much better So, we've been talking a bit little about that. I think we should put it out there that we wanna we wanna start doing that. But until then, let's mismatch a little bit. I got an idea for you. So Okay. If you made a grid

22:51

of customers that are easy to acquire or hard to acquire on one side, and then customers that are not that valuable,

of customers that are easy to acquire or hard to acquire on one side, and then customers that are not that valuable,

22:59

super valuable

super valuable

23:01

on the on the other axis.

on the on the other axis.

23:03

One box that interests me there is hard to acquire super

One box that interests me there is hard to acquire super

23:09

valuable.

valuable.

23:09

And the reason why is because those companies can become very, very defensible, very, very valuable. Right? Your value as a company or even as a person,

And the reason why is because those companies can become very, very defensible, very, very valuable. Right? Your value as a company or even as a person,

23:19

is just based on how easy are you to replace? You want to be irreplace irreplaceable. That's how you can actually make more money in the long term. So what's on that in that quadrant? Like, like a fucking plane manufacturer or something like that? Something that sells to government.

is just based on how easy are you to replace? You want to be irreplace irreplaceable. That's how you can actually make more money in the long term. So what's on that in that quadrant? Like, like a fucking plane manufacturer or something like that? Something that sells to government.

23:34

So you go get government contracts. Not easy.

So you go get government contracts. Not easy.

23:37

Hard might be hard to do. Might be boring to do long term, expensive government contracts.

Hard might be hard to do. Might be boring to do long term, expensive government contracts.

23:42

It might take you years to get to the point where you can get one. But when you get one,

It might take you years to get to the point where you can get one. But when you get one,

23:46

very valuable

very valuable

23:48

and very defensible.

and very defensible.

23:49

And so,

And so,

23:51

was thinking about this. I was like, what? Because I invested in this,

was thinking about this. I was like, what? Because I invested in this,

23:55

drones company

drones company

23:56

called Valencia.

called Valencia.

23:57

Long time ago. I've invested many many years ago. No idea how they're doing. I was a small investor. I don't even get the updates. But,

Long time ago. I've invested many many years ago. No idea how they're doing. I was a small investor. I don't even get the updates. But,

24:05

at the time, they were doing pretty well, and they had a

at the time, they were doing pretty well, and they had a

24:09

you know, I was like, okay. Cool. This valuation's a little bit rich for where you're at, but why is it, you know, why do you think this is the right valuation? And it was like, they're about to get this government contract. That's a hundred million dollar a year contract. One one customer will now become worth more than all their customers combined because And what's the term length of that contract? I think it was like a there was a couple that they were up for. I think they were, like, sort of three and five year deals, something like that. So it's like -- Okay. -- these are huge deals that you can get. And once you get one government contract, you're sort of derisked.

you know, I was like, okay. Cool. This valuation's a little bit rich for where you're at, but why is it, you know, why do you think this is the right valuation? And it was like, they're about to get this government contract. That's a hundred million dollar a year contract. One one customer will now become worth more than all their customers combined because And what's the term length of that contract? I think it was like a there was a couple that they were up for. I think they were, like, sort of three and five year deals, something like that. So it's like -- Okay. -- these are huge deals that you can get. And once you get one government contract, you're sort of derisked.

24:38

And you've done all the, you know, the clearance and all that stuff. You basically you have to get your company to a spot where you could get a government contract. Once you have one, being able to get the next one becomes more likely because you're sort of in the trusted vendor circle.

And you've done all the, you know, the clearance and all that stuff. You basically you have to get your company to a spot where you could get a government contract. Once you have one, being able to get the next one becomes more likely because you're sort of in the trusted vendor circle.

24:49

So I was like, oh, that's pretty valuable. I was just thinking about one the other day. You know, with this whole COVID pandemic.

So I was like, oh, that's pretty valuable. I was just thinking about one the other day. You know, with this whole COVID pandemic.

24:56

Somebody out there has gotta be selling some kind of pandemic modeling software.

Somebody out there has gotta be selling some kind of pandemic modeling software.

25:01

Or detection software to every government

Or detection software to every government

25:05

in every country of the world. And this is also have, like, a network effect where as soon as you provide you're the provider of this product to, one government. It's actually something that all governments would then choose you for because, you know, the more governments you get, the more compelling your case becomes.

in every country of the world. And this is also have, like, a network effect where as soon as you provide you're the provider of this product to, one government. It's actually something that all governments would then choose you for because, you know, the more governments you get, the more compelling your case becomes.

25:20

And so I wonder who's building kind of the pallet what palletier did for, I think,

And so I wonder who's building kind of the pallet what palletier did for, I think,

25:25

like, national security type stuff?

like, national security type stuff?

25:28

Somebody's gotta be doing for biosecurity.

Somebody's gotta be doing for biosecurity.

25:30

So who is creating the,

So who is creating the,

25:32

pandemic monitoring,

pandemic monitoring,

25:34

detection,

detection,

25:35

modeling,

modeling,

25:37

awareness program

awareness program

25:39

that you can then go sell to every single government on earth as an indefinite ongoing contract. Hey. These things happen once every hundred years. We have the Spanish flu. We got COVID. Alright. I'm just gonna go. I'll be your provider because, hey, they're they're devastating when they happen. And I can I could be this for you for the next hundred years? I think that's a a hundred year company that, is probably quite defensible and quite valuable if you can do it.

that you can then go sell to every single government on earth as an indefinite ongoing contract. Hey. These things happen once every hundred years. We have the Spanish flu. We got COVID. Alright. I'm just gonna go. I'll be your provider because, hey, they're they're devastating when they happen. And I can I could be this for you for the next hundred years? I think that's a a hundred year company that, is probably quite defensible and quite valuable if you can do it.

26:02

I'll talk to some of my friends who work at Palletier. I'm like, hey, what'd you guys do today? And they're like, oh, just like,

I'll talk to some of my friends who work at Palletier. I'm like, hey, what'd you guys do today? And they're like, oh, just like,

26:07

stopped a terrorist attack in France. How about you?

stopped a terrorist attack in France. How about you?

26:11

Wrote a blog post.

Wrote a blog post.

26:13

You're on a main line. That's about five three Tuesday today. Yeah. Where I my five favorite sweets in my newsletter. It's cool. Have you ever looked at it it's like those, have you worked at those there's all these, like, net worth calculators where? Like, where will I be in fifty years? And you're like, well, if you were to start in, like, eighteen eighty four.

You're on a main line. That's about five three Tuesday today. Yeah. Where I my five favorite sweets in my newsletter. It's cool. Have you ever looked at it it's like those, have you worked at those there's all these, like, net worth calculators where? Like, where will I be in fifty years? And you're like, well, if you were to start in, like, eighteen eighty four.

26:29

This is where you'd be. If you were starting, like, nineteen ninety five, this is where you'd be, and you can, like, see, like, well, because that this fifty year or this thirty years actually had flow growth. This, ten years had fast growth, and you can, like, see all the different scenarios. You're like, so if we take the average, it's this, but if this happens, this, so you're kinda, like, talking about, like, that, but with, like, potential illnesses.

This is where you'd be. If you were starting, like, nineteen ninety five, this is where you'd be, and you can, like, see, like, well, because that this fifty year or this thirty years actually had flow growth. This, ten years had fast growth, and you can, like, see all the different scenarios. You're like, so if we take the average, it's this, but if this happens, this, so you're kinda, like, talking about, like, that, but with, like, potential illnesses.

26:49

Who who have you researched out there? I haven't I haven't researched any of this, but I'm I'm sure it already exists these sort of like, you know, like, this people have been worried about these sort of, like, viral

Who who have you researched out there? I haven't I haven't researched any of this, but I'm I'm sure it already exists these sort of like, you know, like, this people have been worried about these sort of, like, viral

26:58

things, but, obviously, they were insufficient. Right? So, like, whatever existed, obviously sucked

things, but, obviously, they were insufficient. Right? So, like, whatever existed, obviously sucked

27:01

because

because

27:06

We didn't detect it.

We didn't detect it.

27:07

We we didn't have any plan for it, and we had no idea how fast the thing was spreading. Like, literally the best pandemic model I saw was made as a side project by Kevin System, the founder of Instagram for fun on the side where he's like, oh, look, I can break down by state.

We we didn't have any plan for it, and we had no idea how fast the thing was spreading. Like, literally the best pandemic model I saw was made as a side project by Kevin System, the founder of Instagram for fun on the side where he's like, oh, look, I can break down by state.

27:22

They are not the viral coefficient, basically, of this and of this virus,

They are not the viral coefficient, basically, of this and of this virus,

27:27

based off of this public data I'm getting about hospitals and hospitalizations.

based off of this public data I'm getting about hospitals and hospitalizations.

27:31

And, I can use that to kinda show which states are flattening the curve versus which states are about to go exponential.

And, I can use that to kinda show which states are flattening the curve versus which states are about to go exponential.

27:37

And, you know, they should really consider doing something. And it's like, Somebody's gotta be doing this at a

And, you know, they should really consider doing something. And it's like, Somebody's gotta be doing this at a

27:44

this gotta be the easiest sales pitch of all time right now. That's the guy's kind of what I guess what I really mean. It's like If you're sitting at MIT or one of these places, just be like, wear a sign that says, I went to MIT

this gotta be the easiest sales pitch of all time right now. That's the guy's kind of what I guess what I really mean. It's like If you're sitting at MIT or one of these places, just be like, wear a sign that says, I went to MIT

27:54

and then go walk into the government building, open up the fanciest, like, matlab,

and then go walk into the government building, open up the fanciest, like, matlab,

27:59

you know, like, model you could find and be like,

you know, like, model you could find and be like,

28:03

you need to pay for this and just see what happens. I think I feel like they can get you can get pretty far right now with this pitch of, like, hey, we'll help you with the we'll help you keep track of these viruses.

you need to pay for this and just see what happens. I think I feel like they can get you can get pretty far right now with this pitch of, like, hey, we'll help you with the we'll help you keep track of these viruses.

28:12

Do you remember about two years ago, you and I were both interested in people who are trying to detect fires,

Do you remember about two years ago, you and I were both interested in people who are trying to detect fires,

28:20

forest fires. Do you remember that? Yeah. Yeah. We did it. We did this on the pod. Right? There was probably, like, one or two, like, kids, like, college kids fooling around with it, but then there was, like,

forest fires. Do you remember that? Yeah. Yeah. We did it. We did this on the pod. Right? There was probably, like, one or two, like, kids, like, college kids fooling around with it, but then there was, like,

28:29

I think two different

I think two different

28:31

companies that raised money, I think from founders front fun, and actually they were ex Palantier guys. I forget the name of the company. It's a four letter word. It was, like, Gelt or

companies that raised money, I think from founders front fun, and actually they were ex Palantier guys. I forget the name of the company. It's a four letter word. It was, like, Gelt or

28:40

I forget what it was, but they were I tried to invest in them and they were, like, they they weren't having it because they were,

I forget what it was, but they were I tried to invest in them and they were, like, they they weren't having it because they were,

28:46

getting big and they they they they didn't need any money. But

getting big and they they they they didn't need any money. But

28:49

do you know what happened to those guys? It felt maybe. Was it felt, f e l t?

do you know what happened to those guys? It felt maybe. Was it felt, f e l t?

28:55

I don't know the name of it. That's really hard to remember.

I don't know the name of it. That's really hard to remember.

28:59

But, no, and I also don't know what, what came of it. But, yeah, there was I remember when the California wildfires were happening It felt like every three months, there was, like, a new fire. And the entire, like, state of California was, like, covered in smoke.

But, no, and I also don't know what, what came of it. But, yeah, there was I remember when the California wildfires were happening It felt like every three months, there was, like, a new fire. And the entire, like, state of California was, like, covered in smoke.

29:14

Yeah. I remember when that I remember when that was happening to to find early detection of wildfires. It was like a, like, a startup idea that a bunch of people got funded for.

Yeah. I remember when that I remember when that was happening to to find early detection of wildfires. It was like a, like, a startup idea that a bunch of people got funded for.

29:22

Yeah. It was really interesting. What we need to do what I'll do, not this week, but next week because we have Jack on next biz, I'm gonna actually do research and see how these guys are doing because it's very similar to what you're talking about. But what was your, and what was your other thing that you're looking at? You have this other thing that's, you're gonna go from

Yeah. It was really interesting. What we need to do what I'll do, not this week, but next week because we have Jack on next biz, I'm gonna actually do research and see how these guys are doing because it's very similar to what you're talking about. But what was your, and what was your other thing that you're looking at? You have this other thing that's, you're gonna go from

29:37

selling to governments to selling to Jessica Simpson.

selling to governments to selling to Jessica Simpson.

29:40

Yeah. Exactly.

Yeah. Exactly.

29:42

Yeah. Not the same IQ. So, basically,

Yeah. Not the same IQ. So, basically,

29:45

this next idea is

this next idea is

29:48

So celebrities

So celebrities

29:49

are having this, like, deep fake crisis,

are having this, like, deep fake crisis,

29:52

crisis and opportunity.

crisis and opportunity.

29:53

So deep fakes are getting really, really good.

So deep fakes are getting really, really good.

29:56

And celebrities

And celebrities

29:58

now have a crisis plus opportunity. So the crisis is

now have a crisis plus opportunity. So the crisis is

30:02

you've seen this fake Tom Cruise. It's deepfake Tom Cruise. This guy's like amazing. Well, it looks just like Tom Cruise and and it's like a video. You know, it's this is getting really good. You're not gonna be able to tell. Dude, did you see? Did you see the did you see the ones where they put our podcast in Spanish? Yeah. Those are awesome, by the way. We should do that. We should release our I guess, and everything. They were amazing. They were so good. I've been and I've heard of these new scams where they'll take,

you've seen this fake Tom Cruise. It's deepfake Tom Cruise. This guy's like amazing. Well, it looks just like Tom Cruise and and it's like a video. You know, it's this is getting really good. You're not gonna be able to tell. Dude, did you see? Did you see the did you see the ones where they put our podcast in Spanish? Yeah. Those are awesome, by the way. We should do that. We should release our I guess, and everything. They were amazing. They were so good. I've been and I've heard of these new scams where they'll take,

30:26

people whose voice and video you get us to and may call your parents. I mean, like, hey, dad. Look, I'm trapped. I need some money. Can you please send it? Like, just don't ask questions to send the money. It it's wild. It's wild. And so I think there's an opportunity here. So I think celebrities who get paid for their name and face and, you know, oh, I gotta go fly to, you know, Arizona and shoot this commercial for Gatorade right now. And it's gonna be three days, but I'm gonna get paid all this money blah blah. That's gonna change into. Cadred would like to loo use your your AI clone

people whose voice and video you get us to and may call your parents. I mean, like, hey, dad. Look, I'm trapped. I need some money. Can you please send it? Like, just don't ask questions to send the money. It it's wild. It's wild. And so I think there's an opportunity here. So I think celebrities who get paid for their name and face and, you know, oh, I gotta go fly to, you know, Arizona and shoot this commercial for Gatorade right now. And it's gonna be three days, but I'm gonna get paid all this money blah blah. That's gonna change into. Cadred would like to loo use your your AI clone

30:56

in their commercial. You cool with that? Yeah. You get to sit at home and collect the check. And it's like, maybe it's fifty percent less, you know, expensive for the brand. Maybe it's the same cost for the brand. I don't know. But,

in their commercial. You cool with that? Yeah. You get to sit at home and collect the check. And it's like, maybe it's fifty percent less, you know, expensive for the brand. Maybe it's the same cost for the brand. I don't know. But,

31:07

Saleb, you don't have to do the work anymore. That's gonna be a big deal. So the more famous you get now, you're not gonna have to actually do the appearance thing because You'll just send your your AI stunt double to to go do it. So that's an opportunity,

Saleb, you don't have to do the work anymore. That's gonna be a big deal. So the more famous you get now, you're not gonna have to actually do the appearance thing because You'll just send your your AI stunt double to to go do it. So that's an opportunity,

31:20

but there's also a, a a risk there, which is what if somebody's just doing it without your consent? And so I think somebody's gonna need to create a sort of celebrity

but there's also a, a a risk there, which is what if somebody's just doing it without your consent? And so I think somebody's gonna need to create a sort of celebrity

31:29

deepfake licensing company.

deepfake licensing company.

31:32

So it's a company that goes and says, look, we're gonna create the legal entity

So it's a company that goes and says, look, we're gonna create the legal entity

31:36

that's going to house your name and likeness that other brands can come interact with when they want access to this. And we're also gonna do the detection to find out is anybody doing the unauthorized use of your name and face somewhere.

that's going to house your name and likeness that other brands can come interact with when they want access to this. And we're also gonna do the detection to find out is anybody doing the unauthorized use of your name and face somewhere.

31:50

And we will handle all the take downs for you. So it's kind of like a reputation dot com,

And we will handle all the take downs for you. So it's kind of like a reputation dot com,

31:55

but for this new deep fake thing. So you basically will go and I think you'll you need to it's almost like AngelList. You need to create the

but for this new deep fake thing. So you basically will go and I think you'll you need to it's almost like AngelList. You need to create the

32:03

legal framework for how these work. You need to go sell this to every agency and say, hey.

legal framework for how these work. You need to go sell this to every agency and say, hey.

32:08

You should we've created one for, you know, you have one of these for all of your your clients on your roster.

You should we've created one for, you know, you have one of these for all of your your clients on your roster.

32:14

And when a brand comes to you, use this to issue the license

And when a brand comes to you, use this to issue the license

32:19

that has the rights and controls on it, that has the digital encrypted watermark on it, that has the tracking on it. And then we will also fight anybody who is trying to use it without paying you. Because that's gonna become an issue as well. That's what I think is gonna happen. I think somebody could build that company right now.

that has the rights and controls on it, that has the digital encrypted watermark on it, that has the tracking on it. And then we will also fight anybody who is trying to use it without paying you. Because that's gonna become an issue as well. That's what I think is gonna happen. I think somebody could build that company right now.

32:35

I used to get all these emails I first started the hustle because what we would do is we eventually bought a Getty's license, which is, like, fifty grand a year. But before that, we would use I would just type in whatever picture I wanted, and then I would go to Google and click, like, allow for commercial use.

I used to get all these emails I first started the hustle because what we would do is we eventually bought a Getty's license, which is, like, fifty grand a year. But before that, we would use I would just type in whatever picture I wanted, and then I would go to Google and click, like, allow for commercial use.

32:51

And then I would like, I would use those pictures on our website. And then once we got popular, we would get all these emails from these patent trolls or not patent trolls. I mean, I got we were

And then I would like, I would use those pictures on our website. And then once we got popular, we would get all these emails from these patent trolls or not patent trolls. I mean, I got we were

33:00

we were, using someone else's picture, and they would say, send us three grand and we'll go away. Otherwise, we're suing you. And I started looking into them. And, basically, what they did was they've just built this technology so they could detect if someone's photo was being used, and they would automatically, like, crawl. They would use, like, who is, if find out who the webmaster was and send you this email. And I wonder, like, how those folks turned out, like, what's going on, like, how some of these people actually built those those things. And if they were profitable, I imagine so, like, there was one time I used someone's picture

we were, using someone else's picture, and they would say, send us three grand and we'll go away. Otherwise, we're suing you. And I started looking into them. And, basically, what they did was they've just built this technology so they could detect if someone's photo was being used, and they would automatically, like, crawl. They would use, like, who is, if find out who the webmaster was and send you this email. And I wonder, like, how those folks turned out, like, what's going on, like, how some of these people actually built those those things. And if they were profitable, I imagine so, like, there was one time I used someone's picture

33:28

it was, like, in the I think it was, like, the it was, like, a thumbnail picture. It was the smallest picture. I don't even know we used it. And I think maybe someone at our company took a screenshot of it and, like, try to alter it and then put it on our website in the smallest way, and they totally caught it. And within, like, a few hours, we had to send them like, three thousand dollars. It's like, shit. They got us. I wonder, like, what that looks like in the world of AI when you are having a bunch of these fake celebrity videos. You know what I'm saying? Exactly. So I think somebody's gonna need to,

it was, like, in the I think it was, like, the it was, like, a thumbnail picture. It was the smallest picture. I don't even know we used it. And I think maybe someone at our company took a screenshot of it and, like, try to alter it and then put it on our website in the smallest way, and they totally caught it. And within, like, a few hours, we had to send them like, three thousand dollars. It's like, shit. They got us. I wonder, like, what that looks like in the world of AI when you are having a bunch of these fake celebrity videos. You know what I'm saying? Exactly. So I think somebody's gonna need to,

33:57

to, to create a good version of that. So one option has become the troll. The other option is become the official sort of like broker of of these of the usage of these digital defects.

to, to create a good version of that. So one option has become the troll. The other option is become the official sort of like broker of of these of the usage of these digital defects.

34:07

Alright. So that's my second one. The company, by the way, it's called felt, f e l t dot com felt. That was the it was, that's what we had talked about.

Alright. So that's my second one. The company, by the way, it's called felt, f e l t dot com felt. That was the it was, that's what we had talked about.

34:16

You wanna talk about how you flew Ben out to convince him to move with you?

You wanna talk about how you flew Ben out to convince him to move with you?

34:20

Yeah. I think it's good actually because remote work is, you know, obviously,

Yeah. I think it's good actually because remote work is, you know, obviously,

34:24

all the rage, and remote work is great in a bunch of different ways.

all the rage, and remote work is great in a bunch of different ways.

34:28

But

But

34:29

I'm of the opinion, which is,

I'm of the opinion, which is,

34:32

remote is great

remote is great

34:34

when

when

34:35

you have things figured out, and you need people who are just operational to do things. Anytime there's a lot of needs figuring out or creativity or just your brain trust, I think works best in person.

you have things figured out, and you need people who are just operational to do things. Anytime there's a lot of needs figuring out or creativity or just your brain trust, I think works best in person.

34:49

And so I told Ben the other day. I was like, Ben, I think we're on to something before we're doing,

And so I told Ben the other day. I was like, Ben, I think we're on to something before we're doing,

34:53

business partner, Ben. Business partner, Ben. I was like, you know, he lives in Austin right now.

business partner, Ben. Business partner, Ben. I was like, you know, he lives in Austin right now.

34:58

And I was like, you gotta I was like, you gotta move out here. And he's like, like, you know, I live here now and my kid

And I was like, you gotta I was like, you gotta move out here. And he's like, like, you know, I live here now and my kid

35:06

we have family in Texas.

we have family in Texas.

35:08

I was like, yeah, I know, but, like, you we both believe the following. Right?

I was like, yeah, I know, but, like, you we both believe the following. Right?

35:12

Every time we get together,

Every time we get together,

35:15

magic happens.

magic happens.

35:17

This can be pretty big. Like, what we're doing can become pretty big. And so even, like, a ten to twenty percent improvement

This can be pretty big. Like, what we're doing can become pretty big. And so even, like, a ten to twenty percent improvement

35:25

on,

on,

35:26

what we're doing is actually worth

what we're doing is actually worth

35:29

tens of millions of dollars. So it's like, you know, it could be worth it to move.

tens of millions of dollars. So it's like, you know, it could be worth it to move.

35:33

And California's a great place too. So it's not like I'm saying, you know, let's go to a rural Ohio or something. And,

And California's a great place too. So it's not like I'm saying, you know, let's go to a rural Ohio or something. And,

35:41

And so he was like, okay. Why don't we do this? So he moved out here for the month. So he got a Airbnb In the Burbs or San Francisco? In the Burbs where I'm at. And he's like, I got an Airbnb,

And so he was like, okay. Why don't we do this? So he moved out here for the month. So he got a Airbnb In the Burbs or San Francisco? In the Burbs where I'm at. And he's like, I got an Airbnb,

35:51

brought his wife, kid, came out here. He's just been living here for the month. And, and I also I offered him I was like, dude, I'll pay you

brought his wife, kid, came out here. He's just been living here for the month. And, and I also I offered him I was like, dude, I'll pay you

36:00

dollars. We should bleep that out.

dollars. We should bleep that out.

36:03

If you move. And he was like and I but I told him I go, But the number drops

If you move. And he was like and I but I told him I go, But the number drops

36:09

by twenty percent every quarter that you don't move. I was like, this is not like a standing offer forever. Is a burning it's an exploding offer. I said you should take your time. You should think about it, but you should also know every quarter that you don't move, That number goes down.

by twenty percent every quarter that you don't move. I was like, this is not like a standing offer forever. Is a burning it's an exploding offer. I said you should take your time. You should think about it, but you should also know every quarter that you don't move, That number goes down.

36:23

And so Dude, he he should tell you. You come get your ass to Texas. Yeah. No. He knows I'm not going anywhere. He knows I'm not going anywhere. That's not the up with you. I actually lived in Texas for a long time.

And so Dude, he he should tell you. You come get your ass to Texas. Yeah. No. He knows I'm not going anywhere. He knows I'm not going anywhere. That's not the up with you. I actually lived in Texas for a long time.

36:34

And that, you know, the other thing is, like, here

And that, you know, the other thing is, like, here

36:37

in California, you know, in San Francisco, there is kind of like for, for example, for our rolling fund, there's so many companies, so many other investors, so many people in the startup world, like, you wanna be

in California, you know, in San Francisco, there is kind of like for, for example, for our rolling fund, there's so many companies, so many other investors, so many people in the startup world, like, you wanna be

36:47

Like, proximity is power. You wanna be near

Like, proximity is power. You wanna be near

36:51

as many other people as you can that are doing the same sorts of things as you as you are.

as many other people as you can that are doing the same sorts of things as you as you are.

36:56

To the extent that your lifestyle will allow it. And so,

To the extent that your lifestyle will allow it. And so,

36:59

so, yeah, we'll see. He's called me. I think I think I got, like, a ten to twenty percent chance Well, I'm coming out. I was I was with him a week or two weeks before he went out there. And I was shocked when he told me that he thought was maybe a twenty percent chance that he could be convinced. And by he, I mean, the the Levy entity,

so, yeah, we'll see. He's called me. I think I think I got, like, a ten to twenty percent chance Well, I'm coming out. I was I was with him a week or two weeks before he went out there. And I was shocked when he told me that he thought was maybe a twenty percent chance that he could be convinced. And by he, I mean, the the Levy entity,

37:19

the the household and was shocked that it was twenty percent. Is it still twenty percent?

the the household and was shocked that it was twenty percent. Is it still twenty percent?

37:24

I don't know. I think so, but, we also work a lot when he's here. So I'm sure his wife's like, dude, this is terrible. Like, you work more now. Like, oh, man, I don't wanna do this.

I don't know. I think so, but, we also work a lot when he's here. So I'm sure his wife's like, dude, this is terrible. Like, you work more now. Like, oh, man, I don't wanna do this.

37:34

And so, so that might be working against us. The other thing though is,

And so, so that might be working against us. The other thing though is,

37:39

the way we work is kinda goofy. Like, I don't think most people do this, but, you know, for coding, they have pair programming,

the way we work is kinda goofy. Like, I don't think most people do this, but, you know, for coding, they have pair programming,

37:45

It's not that popular, but some people do it. And what pair programming is,

It's not that popular, but some people do it. And what pair programming is,

37:50

I I think,

I I think,

37:52

What's the name of that agency that was in San Francisco? That was like a really popular dev shop.

What's the name of that agency that was in San Francisco? That was like a really popular dev shop.

37:57

It was like it, like, went public at one point. You know, you know the name. Yeah. Yeah. I don't remember it, but, yeah, I know what you mean. They popularized it, at least. I don't know if they invented or popularized it, but basically, it's two programmers

It was like it, like, went public at one point. You know, you know the name. Yeah. Yeah. I don't remember it, but, yeah, I know what you mean. They popularized it, at least. I don't know if they invented or popularized it, but basically, it's two programmers

38:09

working on one computer. You know, right? It's like the, the engineering two girls, one cup, basically. It's like, you've you sit together,

working on one computer. You know, right? It's like the, the engineering two girls, one cup, basically. It's like, you've you sit together,

38:15

There's one keyboard.

There's one keyboard.

38:17

And you would think, well, okay. You have half the efficiency. Like, only one guy's working. Only one guy's coding. But I you get more than double the efficiency because it keeps you completely focused,

And you would think, well, okay. You have half the efficiency. Like, only one guy's working. Only one guy's coding. But I you get more than double the efficiency because it keeps you completely focused,

38:27

and you and your partner are basically both talking things through and figuring things out on the fly. And literally me and Ben do that when he comes out here to work. We I'm like, alright. Put your laptop down. Like, just we buddy up side by side at this desk.

and you and your partner are basically both talking things through and figuring things out on the fly. And literally me and Ben do that when he comes out here to work. We I'm like, alright. Put your laptop down. Like, just we buddy up side by side at this desk.

38:38

And we'll just work on the same thing at the same time. And, like, I can't just, like, open Twitter and start messing around over there. He's like, what what's happening? What what are you doing? You can't just, like, open new tabs, you know, as you're figuring something out, one of the guys pointing something out, you just sort of really stacking,

And we'll just work on the same thing at the same time. And, like, I can't just, like, open Twitter and start messing around over there. He's like, what what's happening? What what are you doing? You can't just, like, open new tabs, you know, as you're figuring something out, one of the guys pointing something out, you just sort of really stacking,

38:54

I call it, like, stacking focus. It's like whatever my level of focus is, plus his level of focus on the same thing. So that's been good. The other is the in between time. So already when we work remote, we call each other all the time.

I call it, like, stacking focus. It's like whatever my level of focus is, plus his level of focus on the same thing. So that's been good. The other is the in between time. So already when we work remote, we call each other all the time.

39:07

You know, probably on the phone, two hours a day, three hours a day, maybe. On calls, either with others or just ourselves.

You know, probably on the phone, two hours a day, three hours a day, maybe. On calls, either with others or just ourselves.

39:13

But what's happening now is we'll work on something for a bit. That's kinda like us being on a call together, working on something. And then we're like, alright, let's go get food. And we'll just hop on our bikes. We'll go to this taco shop, and we go get this we've got the same taco shop every day. We get the same same meal every day. But do you play Wolf ball afterwards? Yeah. We hold hands and we skip home, basically.

But what's happening now is we'll work on something for a bit. That's kinda like us being on a call together, working on something. And then we're like, alright, let's go get food. And we'll just hop on our bikes. We'll go to this taco shop, and we go get this we've got the same taco shop every day. We get the same same meal every day. But do you play Wolf ball afterwards? Yeah. We hold hands and we skip home, basically.

39:33

But while we're doing it, it's sort of like the best ideas are coming out

But while we're doing it, it's sort of like the best ideas are coming out

39:37

in all the in between time.

in all the in between time.

39:39

And that's the time where normally

And that's the time where normally

39:42

if we would be like, okay. Yep. Bye. Close Zoom, close Google Hangouts or whatever. And then, you know, I put on a podcast, and he does something else. And, you know, it's the in between time where you get the serendipitous ideas.

if we would be like, okay. Yep. Bye. Close Zoom, close Google Hangouts or whatever. And then, you know, I put on a podcast, and he does something else. And, you know, it's the in between time where you get the serendipitous ideas.

39:54

So it's just kinda reminding me how valuable it is to work in person. So here's

So it's just kinda reminding me how valuable it is to work in person. So here's

39:59

here's the issue that you have or I've always had with you, which is whenever I'm

here's the issue that you have or I've always had with you, which is whenever I'm

40:03

around whenever I am around you, both of us are

around whenever I am around you, both of us are

40:07

high high ish energy people where you're the type of person that eggs people

high high ish energy people where you're the type of person that eggs people

40:12

on, and then I'll egg you back on. Or I could see, like and I'm not even that bad at that. But you do I'm sure there's a lot of other people like Suli where you guys just start egging each other on. And it's like, wait a minute. We're totally off track here. We should just do the same thing over and over again.

on, and then I'll egg you back on. Or I could see, like and I'm not even that bad at that. But you do I'm sure there's a lot of other people like Suli where you guys just start egging each other on. And it's like, wait a minute. We're totally off track here. We should just do the same thing over and over again.

40:25

Does this having him around just distract you further? Because I can see you guys just, like, you're sitting on two, like, love seats and you're throwing a football back and forth and you're like, what if we do this? Yeah. What if we did this? It's like, Well, fuck it. Let's just do it right now. It's definitely a part of the day every single day that's like that. I crumpled up a piece of paper. I throw it to him. He throws it back. And we're playing catch talking about bullshit that, like, you know, things we could do

Does this having him around just distract you further? Because I can see you guys just, like, you're sitting on two, like, love seats and you're throwing a football back and forth and you're like, what if we do this? Yeah. What if we did this? It's like, Well, fuck it. Let's just do it right now. It's definitely a part of the day every single day that's like that. I crumpled up a piece of paper. I throw it to him. He throws it back. And we're playing catch talking about bullshit that, like, you know, things we could do

40:48

that are not, like, just the obvious things, but the beauty of it is as I've gotten older, and I've gotten wiser.

that are not, like, just the obvious things, but the beauty of it is as I've gotten older, and I've gotten wiser.

40:55

And I've been doing this podcast.

And I've been doing this podcast.

40:57

Two things have happened. One, I hang around you, and you're very good at just

Two things have happened. One, I hang around you, and you're very good at just

41:01

doing

doing

41:02

the thing every day. Whether it's your workout or it's whatever. So I'm just gonna do the thing. And I I don't wanna get distracted by everything. I just wanna do So hang out with you is how it helps. There was also a guy who came on the podcast long time ago,

the thing every day. Whether it's your workout or it's whatever. So I'm just gonna do the thing. And I I don't wanna get distracted by everything. I just wanna do So hang out with you is how it helps. There was also a guy who came on the podcast long time ago,

41:16

one of the earliest episodes.

one of the earliest episodes.

41:18

And he design it's he's from peak design. They make these, like, camera bags. So he started his company off What was that? That that was two years ago. This was, like, one of the first fifteen episodes I think. And,

And he design it's he's from peak design. They make these, like, camera bags. So he started his company off What was that? That that was two years ago. This was, like, one of the first fifteen episodes I think. And,

41:31

he

he

41:33

he so he bakes these camera bags, who knew, and they do, like, I don't know, At the time, like, seventy million a year in revenue

he so he bakes these camera bags, who knew, and they do, like, I don't know, At the time, like, seventy million a year in revenue

41:39

off of

off of

41:41

camera bags. And I was in, like, clips for your DSLR camera. I was like, what the hell? Like, this is that big of a market. And he had done it off of Kickstarter and he kind of inspiring guy. And, as I was talking to him, I go, so what's your philosophy around business? He goes, He goes, everybody's got these, like, plans. They got these ideas blah blah blah. He goes, I think.

camera bags. And I was in, like, clips for your DSLR camera. I was like, what the hell? Like, this is that big of a market. And he had done it off of Kickstarter and he kind of inspiring guy. And, as I was talking to him, I go, so what's your philosophy around business? He goes, He goes, everybody's got these, like, plans. They got these ideas blah blah blah. He goes, I think.

41:59

He's like life and business is just the six inches in front of your face.

He's like life and business is just the six inches in front of your face.

42:03

He's like,

He's like,

42:04

it's just this. It just held up his hand. Six, this is ridiculous. I just look at this and I just do

it's just this. It just held up his hand. Six, this is ridiculous. I just look at this and I just do

42:10

the six inches in front of my face. It's all I'm focused on, and I just do that every day.

the six inches in front of my face. It's all I'm focused on, and I just do that every day.

42:15

And that stuck with me. And so we have and you can't see it, but on the wall here,

And that stuck with me. And so we have and you can't see it, but on the wall here,

42:20

I wrote six inches in front of our face on a giant, like, post, like a giant sticky pad thing. These things are great, by the way. You should buy these. These are giant

I wrote six inches in front of our face on a giant, like, post, like a giant sticky pad thing. These things are great, by the way. You should buy these. These are giant

42:28

sticky pad things where you sort of tear the paper. It's like a huge post it note that goes on your wall. Dude, at monkey of fertile year old office, you are like that guy. You always had whiteboards and, like, pads. That was your thing. You were always standing up like writing.

sticky pad things where you sort of tear the paper. It's like a huge post it note that goes on your wall. Dude, at monkey of fertile year old office, you are like that guy. You always had whiteboards and, like, pads. That was your thing. You were always standing up like writing.

42:42

Yeah. That was you. You always said that.

Yeah. That was you. You always said that.

42:48

Yeah. I have it here and it says the six inches in front of our face. And so the first thing we do every day when it comes over

Yeah. I have it here and it says the six inches in front of our face. And so the first thing we do every day when it comes over

42:54

is we reprioritize the six inches in front of our face. It's like What are the small no brainer

is we reprioritize the six inches in front of our face. It's like What are the small no brainer

43:00

steps forward that will make this, like, one percent better today?

steps forward that will make this, like, one percent better today?

43:04

And we

And we

43:05

the first three hours of the day, we don't do anything else besides knock those out. And,

the first three hours of the day, we don't do anything else besides knock those out. And,

43:10

I think theoretically we could just do that for eight hours a would get bored out of my mind. Also, I can kinda get eight hours of work done in three hours of focus

I think theoretically we could just do that for eight hours a would get bored out of my mind. Also, I can kinda get eight hours of work done in three hours of focus

43:17

when I put my mind to it. And so That's what we do first. And then for the rest of the day, we think, okay. What what else could leapfrog something forward beyond those one percent obvious improvements? So we knock out anything anything we could think of that's a one percent obvious improvement, the six inches in front of our face first. And so that's how we've been able to stay focused.

when I put my mind to it. And so That's what we do first. And then for the rest of the day, we think, okay. What what else could leapfrog something forward beyond those one percent obvious improvements? So we knock out anything anything we could think of that's a one percent obvious improvement, the six inches in front of our face first. And so that's how we've been able to stay focused.

43:39

Our software is the worst. Have you heard of HubSpot?

Our software is the worst. Have you heard of HubSpot?

43:42

See, most CRMs are a cobbled together mess. But HubSpot is easy to adopt and actually looks gorgeous. I think I love our new CRM. Our software is the best. HubSpot,

See, most CRMs are a cobbled together mess. But HubSpot is easy to adopt and actually looks gorgeous. I think I love our new CRM. Our software is the best. HubSpot,

43:52

grow better.

grow better.

43:54

Dude,

Dude,

43:55

You shared something on Twitter about, what's this football player's name, Russell? Russell Ocon. Yeah.

You shared something on Twitter about, what's this football player's name, Russell? Russell Ocon. Yeah.

44:01

Oh my god. So I'm not a football I'm not a sports guy at all. So I didn't even know who this person was, and you'd share this thing. This basically who is he? He he was was he was he good? Yeah. He was awesome. He was a former lineman line men are, like, the biggest guys on the football field. So he's, you know, probably, I don't know, three hundred pounds or something like that. He's, like, six five. He he's six five, three hundred ten pounds when he played it. Let me play it. Yeah. And he was like a star. Like, he won he, like, won a Super Bowl ring. He was a pro bowlers. Awesome awesome player.

Oh my god. So I'm not a football I'm not a sports guy at all. So I didn't even know who this person was, and you'd share this thing. This basically who is he? He he was was he was he good? Yeah. He was awesome. He was a former lineman line men are, like, the biggest guys on the football field. So he's, you know, probably, I don't know, three hundred pounds or something like that. He's, like, six five. He he's six five, three hundred ten pounds when he played it. Let me play it. Yeah. And he was like a star. Like, he won he, like, won a Super Bowl ring. He was a pro bowlers. Awesome awesome player.

44:28

I remember. I I think he was playing it on the seahawks for a while. That's that's kind of what I remember.

I remember. I I think he was playing it on the seahawks for a while. That's that's kind of what I remember.

44:33

He's now on Twitter. There's a couple of these athletes and Dominic and Sue,

He's now on Twitter. There's a couple of these athletes and Dominic and Sue,

44:37

Russell Ocum that are, like, they're kind of, like, on tech Twitter somehow. Like,

Russell Ocum that are, like, they're kind of, like, on tech Twitter somehow. Like,

44:41

and so Russell And you could DM him, and they'll and and he's been he's been to my DMs. Yeah. Like Matthew Delova had invited me to an event the other day. I was like, this is so cool that they've crossed over and they have got their athlete camp. They've also got kinda business tech, interest in their they, like, the by the way, the best thing about it is they come in so humble,

and so Russell And you could DM him, and they'll and and he's been he's been to my DMs. Yeah. Like Matthew Delova had invited me to an event the other day. I was like, this is so cool that they've crossed over and they have got their athlete camp. They've also got kinda business tech, interest in their they, like, the by the way, the best thing about it is they come in so humble,

44:59

which is like the,

which is like the,

45:02

They they don't, like, they don't come in with this, like, well, you know who I am, personality. Like, this Saturday, so we do I I started this basketball pickup game every Saturday for founders and investors out here in the East Bay. And we rent this gym, and then we we all just play pickup for, like, three hours.

They they don't, like, they don't come in with this, like, well, you know who I am, personality. Like, this Saturday, so we do I I started this basketball pickup game every Saturday for founders and investors out here in the East Bay. And we rent this gym, and then we we all just play pickup for, like, three hours.

45:18

And, Zaza Petunia came, and he's a he's a former player on the Warriors.

And, Zaza Petunia came, and he's a he's a former player on the Warriors.

45:23

And he he tweeted like, oh, yeah. I'll I'll play. And I didn't invite him to the first one because I thought he was joking when he replied.

And he he tweeted like, oh, yeah. I'll I'll play. And I didn't invite him to the first one because I thought he was joking when he replied.

45:30

And then he emailed me after the first one. I was like, bro, what happened? I didn't get the invite. No way. And I was like, no way. You actually were gonna show up. And so he came this week,

And then he emailed me after the first one. I was like, bro, what happened? I didn't get the invite. No way. And I was like, no way. You actually were gonna show up. And so he came this week,

45:39

and he was fucking awesome, dude. Like, not awesome and basketball. Obviously, he's awesome and basketball compared to us. But he,

and he was fucking awesome, dude. Like, not awesome and basketball. Obviously, he's awesome and basketball compared to us. But he,

45:46

Zaza. Is is it, like, a big Russian looking guy? Or I don't know where he's from. Where is he from? I don't know. Serbia or I think he's from he's from Serbia. I'm not a hundred percent. He's he's I just Google it. Georgia. Georgia.

Zaza. Is is it, like, a big Russian looking guy? Or I don't know where he's from. Where is he from? I don't know. Serbia or I think he's from he's from Serbia. I'm not a hundred percent. He's he's I just Google it. Georgia. Georgia.

45:57

He's, yeah, he's, like, seven foot.

He's, yeah, he's, like, seven foot.

45:59

And he's just he's a beast. And so now he works for the warriors. He does, like, their business side, their operate, basketball operations and investing,

And he's just he's a beast. And so now he works for the warriors. He does, like, their business side, their operate, basketball operations and investing,

46:07

for them. And, he's a super personable, super funny guy, like, was totally humble and, like, you know, obviously. Did he play? Yeah. He played with us for three hours. It was it was amazing.

for them. And, he's a super personable, super funny guy, like, was totally humble and, like, you know, obviously. Did he play? Yeah. He played with us for three hours. It was it was amazing.

46:18

I was talking so much trash to him, and he was just such a good sport about it. It was amazing. So, I just I gotta say. I was so I've been so impressed

I was talking so much trash to him, and he was just such a good sport about it. It was amazing. So, I just I gotta say. I was so I've been so impressed

46:26

with the way that kind of, like, the athletes I've seen that crossover into business and tech, they, like,

with the way that kind of, like, the athletes I've seen that crossover into business and tech, they, like,

46:31

they do it with with, like, I don't know, so much finesse. It's, like, it's really impressive.

they do it with with, like, I don't know, so much finesse. It's, like, it's really impressive.

46:35

Wait, what did you learn about? I love seeing pro athletes in real life and just, like, seeing them joke around or, like, behind the scenes, Instagram videos where they're like, hey, watch this. I'm gonna check over this thing. And they jump over this, like, huge thing. You're like, oh, my god. These people, like, we're not the same type of person. Was there any athletic

Wait, what did you learn about? I love seeing pro athletes in real life and just, like, seeing them joke around or, like, behind the scenes, Instagram videos where they're like, hey, watch this. I'm gonna check over this thing. And they jump over this, like, huge thing. You're like, oh, my god. These people, like, we're not the same type of person. Was there any athletic

46:51

attributes that he had or was he just totally chilling? Well, yeah, for sure. I mean, if you see Zaza play in the NBA, Zaza was basically like a screen center Like, his number one skill was he could set a huge pick to get Steph Curry's shot.

attributes that he had or was he just totally chilling? Well, yeah, for sure. I mean, if you see Zaza play in the NBA, Zaza was basically like a screen center Like, his number one skill was he could set a huge pick to get Steph Curry's shot.

47:05

But when he played against us -- Right. -- he's Steph Curry. He's just draining shots from all over the court. You he didn't even take these shots in the NBA. You never saw him take these shots, and he's just And he made all of them. Passpray pulled up from point line. And he has I was like, when's the last time you played? He's, like, twenty nineteen.

But when he played against us -- Right. -- he's Steph Curry. He's just draining shots from all over the court. You he didn't even take these shots in the NBA. You never saw him take these shots, and he's just And he made all of them. Passpray pulled up from point line. And he has I was like, when's the last time you played? He's, like, twenty nineteen.

47:20

I was, like, no, no, I've I've shot around. He's, like, I'm, you know, I'm in the bash I should run. But he's like, I I don't I don't even know the last time I, like, played it, like, again, like, a kind of, like, a competitive game.

I was, like, no, no, I've I've shot around. He's, like, I'm, you know, I'm in the bash I should run. But he's like, I I don't I don't even know the last time I, like, played it, like, again, like, a kind of, like, a competitive game.

47:30

And,

And,

47:32

a couple things. So his warm up was like a real warm up. Like, he, like, he's talking, but he's doing these, like, hip flexor openers. And I'm like, oh, yeah. He's, like, he's just He's actually an athlete. He's had to, like, get his body ready many, many, many times over. And so you see, like, a bunch of the dudes who come in and it's like, oh, here's this VC or here's this like tech founder and we're like, I don't know, I guess try to touch my toes. Is that what I do to warm up? Like, we don't know. We don't even know what to we don't even know what to do to warm up. Whereas he's, like, doing these, like, you know, hip openers. Then the second thing is when he played, obviously, his game is a lot better than you see on TV because

a couple things. So his warm up was like a real warm up. Like, he, like, he's talking, but he's doing these, like, hip flexor openers. And I'm like, oh, yeah. He's, like, he's just He's actually an athlete. He's had to, like, get his body ready many, many, many times over. And so you see, like, a bunch of the dudes who come in and it's like, oh, here's this VC or here's this like tech founder and we're like, I don't know, I guess try to touch my toes. Is that what I do to warm up? Like, we don't know. We don't even know what to we don't even know what to do to warm up. Whereas he's, like, doing these, like, you know, hip openers. Then the second thing is when he played, obviously, his game is a lot better than you see on TV because

48:06

You know, with the competition, so you you gotta you gotta be a star in your role in the NBA. And he was a star in his role as this, like, pain protector screen center. Here, he could do a lot of other things that he never got to show there. The other thing is, like, he was like a bear. So he was mostly you know, just playing point guards passing the ball mostly.

You know, with the competition, so you you gotta you gotta be a star in your role in the NBA. And he was a star in his role as this, like, pain protector screen center. Here, he could do a lot of other things that he never got to show there. The other thing is, like, he was like a bear. So he was mostly you know, just playing point guards passing the ball mostly.

48:23

Like, getting him, you know, obviously, he could post any of us up. He's got a foot on all of us, you know, in terms of height. So he wasn't just abusing that. But when it but, like, we beat him the first game, and then they won, like, six straight. And then

Like, getting him, you know, obviously, he could post any of us up. He's got a foot on all of us, you know, in terms of height. So he wasn't just abusing that. But when it but, like, we beat him the first game, and then they won, like, six straight. And then

48:34

you beat him be this team? Yeah. We won the first game. Yeah. They were just like, you know, whatever. We we got off to a quick start.

you beat him be this team? Yeah. We won the first game. Yeah. They were just like, you know, whatever. We we got off to a quick start.

48:40

But then the they went on a six zero run or something like that. Just crushing everybody. And then when we came back out to try to beat them, it was a very competitive game. And then it's like, we poke the bear. It's like all of a sudden, he started driving to the hoop, he started, like, playing, like, aggressive. It's like, oh, yeah. Don't forget. The bear can kill you. The bear might be nice right now, but the bear will let you know that, like, I could kill you if I wanted to. And he just chose which style he was gonna yeah. He's like, let's let's just put it to a six now. We wear the three. Let's just put it. We'll just put it on a six just for a few minutes. Alright.

But then the they went on a six zero run or something like that. Just crushing everybody. And then when we came back out to try to beat them, it was a very competitive game. And then it's like, we poke the bear. It's like all of a sudden, he started driving to the hoop, he started, like, playing, like, aggressive. It's like, oh, yeah. Don't forget. The bear can kill you. The bear might be nice right now, but the bear will let you know that, like, I could kill you if I wanted to. And he just chose which style he was gonna yeah. He's like, let's let's just put it to a six now. We wear the three. Let's just put it. We'll just put it on a six just for a few minutes. Alright.

49:10

This has been a three up till now. I'm just gonna show you that, then I'll go back down.

This has been a three up till now. I'm just gonna show you that, then I'll go back down.

49:15

Wow. That's awesome.

Wow. That's awesome.

49:17

That I love seeing those types of people, like, just, like, normal settings.

That I love seeing those types of people, like, just, like, normal settings.

49:21

And so,

And so,

49:22

talk about Russell. So what Russell's doing, I I saw him you shared it. He has this website and it's here's why it's interesting.

talk about Russell. So what Russell's doing, I I saw him you shared it. He has this website and it's here's why it's interesting.

49:29

One, he's we'll put this we'll we'll say what he's doing. He's doing a forty day water fast. That alone is interesting. What's even more interesting is he's doing it in a very, like, I wouldn't have expected this, like, six foot five, three hundred pound football player to be so introspective.

One, he's we'll put this we'll we'll say what he's doing. He's doing a forty day water fast. That alone is interesting. What's even more interesting is he's doing it in a very, like, I wouldn't have expected this, like, six foot five, three hundred pound football player to be so introspective.

49:43

And if you go to his website, do you know the name of his website, actually? No. I don't have it in front of me. If you just Google his name and then go to his Twitter and you could click off to the link, He's got this website, a, it's built on ghost, which is like a pretty, like, in the no nerdy web platform.

And if you go to his website, do you know the name of his website, actually? No. I don't have it in front of me. If you just Google his name and then go to his Twitter and you could click off to the link, He's got this website, a, it's built on ghost, which is like a pretty, like, in the no nerdy web platform.

49:57

I think it's Oakeng fast dot com. It's at least where the I think that's where the

I think it's Oakeng fast dot com. It's at least where the I think that's where the

50:03

That's where he hosted it. If you just Google it, you'll see it, but it's like a yellow website. And, like, he has email pop up pop ups, and, like, everything is set up really actually, like, exactly how it should be. Like, the email pop up is, like, thoughtful and then you go to a confirmation page, that's thoughtful. And he's blogging every single day, and he's posting the same picture every day. So as of now, I think he started this thing at to sixty. I have no series. I think we buried it. So he's he's gone. He's going on a forty day water only fast He's lost

That's where he hosted it. If you just Google it, you'll see it, but it's like a yellow website. And, like, he has email pop up pop ups, and, like, everything is set up really actually, like, exactly how it should be. Like, the email pop up is, like, thoughtful and then you go to a confirmation page, that's thoughtful. And he's blogging every single day, and he's posting the same picture every day. So as of now, I think he started this thing at to sixty. I have no series. I think we buried it. So he's he's gone. He's going on a forty day water only fast He's lost

50:34

a hundred pounds so far doing it. And, obviously, it's not just about the weight loss. It's about, like, sort of, like, the mental challenge and the mental clarity that he's getting as he's

a hundred pounds so far doing it. And, obviously, it's not just about the weight loss. It's about, like, sort of, like, the mental challenge and the mental clarity that he's getting as he's

50:45

doing this, like, you know, sort of this this very, what sounds to me like really intense fast. I think he's on day twenty one. Well, he talks about how it's a spiritual thing. And he and he basically, like, he he's just so much more thoughtful than I ever would have pegged this guy. Just I'm stereotyping like an NFL player. And, like, his writing is very good, very clear. And there's a lesson that he's learning each day, and he talks about that. And everything's well written. It's just wonderful. It it's a really, really cool to see this guy do the thing. Fourth day was the hardest. He goes, because this is where the body is transitioning into a new state. So he's like, I had headaches, fatigue, My body was transitioning to using fat as the energy source rather than, you know, the in the input of new, you know, carbohydrates or whatever.

doing this, like, you know, sort of this this very, what sounds to me like really intense fast. I think he's on day twenty one. Well, he talks about how it's a spiritual thing. And he and he basically, like, he he's just so much more thoughtful than I ever would have pegged this guy. Just I'm stereotyping like an NFL player. And, like, his writing is very good, very clear. And there's a lesson that he's learning each day, and he talks about that. And everything's well written. It's just wonderful. It it's a really, really cool to see this guy do the thing. Fourth day was the hardest. He goes, because this is where the body is transitioning into a new state. So he's like, I had headaches, fatigue, My body was transitioning to using fat as the energy source rather than, you know, the in the input of new, you know, carbohydrates or whatever.

51:24

And he looks good. So you could see even when he started it, you look at day one where he started. He still looked, pretty lean. Now you look at him at day one, he's starting to get, like, skinnier and skinnier and skinnier, and his writing is starting to change. It's very fascinating, and he's been tweeting about it every day as he goes and he's been blogging about it. I think it's awesome. I love seeing this. Right.

And he looks good. So you could see even when he started it, you look at day one where he started. He still looked, pretty lean. Now you look at him at day one, he's starting to get, like, skinnier and skinnier and skinnier, and his writing is starting to change. It's very fascinating, and he's been tweeting about it every day as he goes and he's been blogging about it. I think it's awesome. I love seeing this. Right.

51:44

Yeah. And he's also, like He's on day twenty one. He's on day twenty one. He's also, like, a Bitcoin maxi. He's a he's an interesting guy. By the way, there's

Yeah. And he's also, like He's on day twenty one. He's on day twenty one. He's also, like, a Bitcoin maxi. He's a he's an interesting guy. By the way, there's

51:52

a guy I met named Byron Jones, who retired this year.

a guy I met named Byron Jones, who retired this year.

51:56

He was like one of the best quarterbacks in the in the in the league. And he retired, I think, at thirty. So he came into the league probably twenty one twenty two, and he retired at thirty, which is a early retirement.

He was like one of the best quarterbacks in the in the in the league. And he retired, I think, at thirty. So he came into the league probably twenty one twenty two, and he retired at thirty, which is a early retirement.

52:07

And he got paid very well, probably made, like, I don't know, eighty million dollars planned to the NFL, but he had said something when he retired, which is that I can't run or jump anymore. And which is shocking because this is, like, one of the most athletic guys that was in the NFL at the time when he was playing. And I went to a dinner. He had a forty four inch Wow. Forty four inch for

And he got paid very well, probably made, like, I don't know, eighty million dollars planned to the NFL, but he had said something when he retired, which is that I can't run or jump anymore. And which is shocking because this is, like, one of the most athletic guys that was in the NFL at the time when he was playing. And I went to a dinner. He had a forty four inch Wow. Forty four inch for

52:27

broad jump.

broad jump.

52:28

Freak. My buddy, Romine,

Freak. My buddy, Romine,

52:31

host this event called game time every year in LA. And it's basically a mix of investors and athletes that get together. And so I've I've gone the last couple of years, and he hosts this dinner. And at the dinner, there was a few NFL players on the table. And they all mentioned, like,

host this event called game time every year in LA. And it's basically a mix of investors and athletes that get together. And so I've I've gone the last couple of years, and he hosts this dinner. And at the dinner, there was a few NFL players on the table. And they all mentioned, like,

52:44

I forgot what they were calling, like, tour Tourbital,

I forgot what they were calling, like, tour Tourbital,

52:47

not, terminal. It's not the steroid. It's, like, some shot that NFL players get.

not, terminal. It's not the steroid. It's, like, some shot that NFL players get.

52:52

Basically, it's a pain pain tolerance shot, a pain reduction shot, pain killer.

Basically, it's a pain pain tolerance shot, a pain reduction shot, pain killer.

52:56

And they're they were just like, dude, that shot.

And they're they were just like, dude, that shot.

52:59

It's like magic and it's a curse. They're like Because it doesn't make you feel better. Right? It just makes you not feel pain. No. No. You feel better.

It's like magic and it's a curse. They're like Because it doesn't make you feel better. Right? It just makes you not feel pain. No. No. You feel better.

53:06

Sorry. It doesn't cure an injury. But it doesn't cure the underlying issues.

Sorry. It doesn't cure an injury. But it doesn't cure the underlying issues.

53:10

It's, like, you he's, like, we would go from, you know, Sunday, you play,

It's, like, you he's, like, we would go from, you know, Sunday, you play,

53:14

Monday,

Monday,

53:15

You feel

You feel

53:16

bad.

bad.

53:18

Tuesday, you feel like, man, I was in a car accident, and their body feels like it was in a car accident. You're like, there's no way I'm gonna be able to practice on Thursday

Tuesday, you feel like, man, I was in a car accident, and their body feels like it was in a car accident. You're like, there's no way I'm gonna be able to practice on Thursday

53:26

and play next Sunday. Like, that's just, like, where my body's at on Tuesday versus Sunday seems crazy. And they said that, like, they're, like, man, you know, like, the culture in NFL is, like, you gotta play, obviously. And so these, like, a lot of guys get get in the habit of taking this one shot t something. I forgot what it's called. And they take this shot, and they're like, it's like a miracle, dude. Like, within an hour, you're running again. And they're like, you went from not, you know, like, limping to, like, you're just back to you.

and play next Sunday. Like, that's just, like, where my body's at on Tuesday versus Sunday seems crazy. And they said that, like, they're, like, man, you know, like, the culture in NFL is, like, you gotta play, obviously. And so these, like, a lot of guys get get in the habit of taking this one shot t something. I forgot what it's called. And they take this shot, and they're like, it's like a miracle, dude. Like, within an hour, you're running again. And they're like, you went from not, you know, like, limping to, like, you're just back to you.

53:51

But also,

But also,

53:52

every time you do it, it's like taking

every time you do it, it's like taking

53:55

time you know, it shortens your career.

time you know, it shortens your career.

53:57

Because this is so bad for your body, what you're actually doing to your body when you do that, because you're not, like, it's not like the underlying tissues have healed in the process.

Because this is so bad for your body, what you're actually doing to your body when you do that, because you're not, like, it's not like the underlying tissues have healed in the process.

54:05

And, it's kind of a crazy thing. So I think one cool thing about what Russell's doing is he's basically, like, trying to rewind the clock on you know, when you're in when you're alignment, they tell you to beef up, and what he's doing is is doing a sort of a rapid

And, it's kind of a crazy thing. So I think one cool thing about what Russell's doing is he's basically, like, trying to rewind the clock on you know, when you're in when you're alignment, they tell you to beef up, and what he's doing is is doing a sort of a rapid

54:18

and drastic change in his physiology in order to get his weight down that he can live a, you know, longer healthier life as he goes.

and drastic change in his physiology in order to get his weight down that he can live a, you know, longer healthier life as he goes.

54:25

Yeah. He said I went through a pulmonary embolism. I I don't know what that is. Is that a hard thing?

Yeah. He said I went through a pulmonary embolism. I I don't know what that is. Is that a hard thing?

54:30

I had lacerated lungs. No idea how you get lacerated lungs, but that's wild. A series of

I had lacerated lungs. No idea how you get lacerated lungs, but that's wild. A series of

54:35

yeah. A series of surgeries, ligament, and ten

yeah. A series of surgeries, ligament, and ten

54:39

lid ligament intended damage and getting up every day was just really hard. I thought magically when I finished playing, it would get easier, but it got harder, harder. I had completely depleted my testosterone. So he basically just explains. He's like, I was left in shambles, and so that's, I guess, one of the reasons why he has done this. And I think it's really, really, really cool. I don't think I'm gonna do it. Shout out to him. I like I like seeing him do it. What else you got?

lid ligament intended damage and getting up every day was just really hard. I thought magically when I finished playing, it would get easier, but it got harder, harder. I had completely depleted my testosterone. So he basically just explains. He's like, I was left in shambles, and so that's, I guess, one of the reasons why he has done this. And I think it's really, really, really cool. I don't think I'm gonna do it. Shout out to him. I like I like seeing him do it. What else you got?

55:02

I like this question I got. So

I like this question I got. So

55:05

A guy tweeted at me. I wanna get your take on it. So his name's Christian

A guy tweeted at me. I wanna get your take on it. So his name's Christian

55:09

Vanulfhel.

Vanulfhel.

55:11

Great name. The Christian says, question for you, Sean.

Great name. The Christian says, question for you, Sean.

55:14

Because what work seems like small boy stuff, but actually packs a punch. So we have this phrase we say on the pot all the time. No small boy stuff. And we don't even diff like, spend a ton of time defining it because, honestly,

Because what work seems like small boy stuff, but actually packs a punch. So we have this phrase we say on the pot all the time. No small boy stuff. And we don't even diff like, spend a ton of time defining it because, honestly,

55:26

small boy stuff is kinda obvious. But I would say the general buckets of small boy stuff would be

small boy stuff is kinda obvious. But I would say the general buckets of small boy stuff would be

55:32

you know, overly worrying about things.

you know, overly worrying about things.

55:35

Small boy stuff would be thinking small rather than thinking big, thinking short term, rather thinking long term,

Small boy stuff would be thinking small rather than thinking big, thinking short term, rather thinking long term,

55:41

you know, caring too much about what other people think of you. You know, there's a whole bunch of things that you classify as small boy stuff. Like, complaining

you know, caring too much about what other people think of you. You know, there's a whole bunch of things that you classify as small boy stuff. Like, complaining

55:47

when things get hard,

when things get hard,

55:48

or things don't go your way, complaining in general, waiting in general. These are all, like, small boy moves.

or things don't go your way, complaining in general, waiting in general. These are all, like, small boy moves.

55:54

But

But

55:55

I thought his question was great because

I thought his question was great because

55:58

the magic is in things that other people think are small, but actually pack a punch. And I had an answer, but I'm curious what your answer would be. I'll give you you wanted me to go first? You wanna go

the magic is in things that other people think are small, but actually pack a punch. And I had an answer, but I'm curious what your answer would be. I'll give you you wanted me to go first? You wanna go

56:06

I'll give a very quick example. We had our I keep talking about the off-site. My CEO, the company, he put all this effort into creating, like, little individual awards for people and, like, writing, like,

I'll give a very quick example. We had our I keep talking about the off-site. My CEO, the company, he put all this effort into creating, like, little individual awards for people and, like, writing, like,

56:18

appreciation notes and, like, being very thoughtful on the itinerary. And I was, like, dude, just, like, who gives a shit? Let's just get in the room and hang out. He put all this work into it, spent hours and hours and hours, one hundred percent worth it. I I I was giving him a hard time. And then afterwards, I go, nope. You were right. I was wrong.

appreciation notes and, like, being very thoughtful on the itinerary. And I was, like, dude, just, like, who gives a shit? Let's just get in the room and hang out. He put all this work into it, spent hours and hours and hours, one hundred percent worth it. I I I was giving him a hard time. And then afterwards, I go, nope. You were right. I was wrong.

56:32

That that is an example of things that seem below your pay grade that you you proved it was worth it. Love it. I would actually also give you credit because That would be one of my answers, which is,

That that is an example of things that seem below your pay grade that you you proved it was worth it. Love it. I would actually also give you credit because That would be one of my answers, which is,

56:45

admitting when you're wrong openly and quickly, I remember hearing a story about, the one of the guys at Sequoia, who's awesome.

admitting when you're wrong openly and quickly, I remember hearing a story about, the one of the guys at Sequoia, who's awesome.

56:52

Like, help build Sequoia into, like, the most successful VC brand or one of the most in in a long time.

Like, help build Sequoia into, like, the most successful VC brand or one of the most in in a long time.

56:58

Somebody asks, like, what makes him great? They go, all he cares about is getting it right. He'll be in a meeting with you. He'll say his opinion, and somebody else will say their opinion you know, most people either start to debate or,

Somebody asks, like, what makes him great? They go, all he cares about is getting it right. He'll be in a meeting with you. He'll say his opinion, and somebody else will say their opinion you know, most people either start to debate or,

57:10

like, what kind of, like, it's like we're talking past each other. It's like, I'm talking about one thing. You're talking about another and I'm the boss, so I'm gonna get my way. And he's like, he's the first guy, and he has this phrase he always says, well, he would go.

like, what kind of, like, it's like we're talking past each other. It's like, I'm talking about one thing. You're talking about another and I'm the boss, so I'm gonna get my way. And he's like, he's the first guy, and he has this phrase he always says, well, he would go.

57:22

Okay. Nope. I like your way better. Let's go with that.

Okay. Nope. I like your way better. Let's go with that.

57:25

Like, nope, that's better. Like, let's go with that. Is a,

Like, nope, that's better. Like, let's go with that. Is a,

57:29

a awesome small

a awesome small

57:31

but big thing you could do as a leader in in any company. It sets the culture that it's not about who's right. It's about getting it right, getting to right, you know, over time.

but big thing you could do as a leader in in any company. It sets the culture that it's not about who's right. It's about getting it right, getting to right, you know, over time.

57:39

Here's what I wrote as as some of my answers. I said

Here's what I wrote as as some of my answers. I said

57:42

small things that seem like small boy stuff is actually big. Doing customer service yourself early on. So being on the front lines,

small things that seem like small boy stuff is actually big. Doing customer service yourself early on. So being on the front lines,

57:49

answering customer service emails,

answering customer service emails,

57:51

questions, feedback, picking up the phone, all that stuff.

questions, feedback, picking up the phone, all that stuff.

57:56

Manually onboarding your first ten or a hundred users.

Manually onboarding your first ten or a hundred users.

57:59

So,

So,

58:01

literally yourself sitting there with them's you know, going to sit side by side with them and having them install your product or onboard onto your product and and answering their questions. Seems like an unscalable

literally yourself sitting there with them's you know, going to sit side by side with them and having them install your product or onboard onto your product and and answering their questions. Seems like an unscalable

58:13

small boy way of you spending your time. Actually, no. It's a huge, huge thing, and it'll teach you a lot about your product and your market.

small boy way of you spending your time. Actually, no. It's a huge, huge thing, and it'll teach you a lot about your product and your market.

58:19

Sending follow ups

Sending follow ups

58:21

Follow ups following up with somebody who didn't answer you always feels like, you know, like a little low status bitch move, but

Follow ups following up with somebody who didn't answer you always feels like, you know, like a little low status bitch move, but

58:28

It packs a big punch, follow ups are where all the magic is. And I think there's also a big piece of follow ups, which is a lot of people don't follow-up because They don't hear back and they assume

It packs a big punch, follow ups are where all the magic is. And I think there's also a big piece of follow ups, which is a lot of people don't follow-up because They don't hear back and they assume

58:37

they say they're saying no. They don't like me. They hate they hate this idea.

they say they're saying no. They don't like me. They hate they hate this idea.

58:42

You know, wanna look stupid.

You know, wanna look stupid.

58:44

They get in their head about it. They start assuming the worst.

They get in their head about it. They start assuming the worst.

58:47

Instead assume the obvious, people are busy and they forget.

Instead assume the obvious, people are busy and they forget.

58:51

People are busy and didn't get around to it yet.

People are busy and didn't get around to it yet.

58:53

And when you follow-up with that mindset, that's the sort of no small boy mindset. It was like, I'm offering something of value to this person. Of course, they would want it. Maybe they haven't yet. Seeing the value in it. Maybe I didn't convey it properly, or they just haven't got around to it. They're busy. And that's okay. I'm still here.

And when you follow-up with that mindset, that's the sort of no small boy mindset. It was like, I'm offering something of value to this person. Of course, they would want it. Maybe they haven't yet. Seeing the value in it. Maybe I didn't convey it properly, or they just haven't got around to it. They're busy. And that's okay. I'm still here.

59:09

And the other one I wrote was finding things that recur daily and making them two percent better because daily things that you do things you do with high frequency compound

And the other one I wrote was finding things that recur daily and making them two percent better because daily things that you do things you do with high frequency compound

59:19

if if you made them slightly better. And so this is where I think a lot of people are like, why are you optimizing for your shoes or your mattress or your pillow or whatever. Like, why are you why do you care so much about how you're,

if if you made them slightly better. And so this is where I think a lot of people are like, why are you optimizing for your shoes or your mattress or your pillow or whatever. Like, why are you why do you care so much about how you're,

59:32

you know, like, I'm a stickler for how a meeting starts? And I was like, no. No. No. At the start of every meeting, we say, Alright. The purpose of this meeting is this, and a good outcome of this meeting would be

you know, like, I'm a stickler for how a meeting starts? And I was like, no. No. No. At the start of every meeting, we say, Alright. The purpose of this meeting is this, and a good outcome of this meeting would be

59:43

y.

y.

59:44

And, if you can't say x and y, like, we're not doing the meeting. I'll stop people I'll say, no, don't do this. Or,

And, if you can't say x and y, like, we're not doing the meeting. I'll stop people I'll say, no, don't do this. Or,

59:49

when people talk, I'll be like, hey, you know, you're talking a really low voice and you're not sitting up straight. Like, could you just Do it, like, say it with some energy. It'll make a difference. And, like,

when people talk, I'll be like, hey, you know, you're talking a really low voice and you're not sitting up straight. Like, could you just Do it, like, say it with some energy. It'll make a difference. And, like,

59:59

but that's

but that's

01:00:00

every meeting then people know. That's how we do meetings. And so once you teach about how we do meetings, we're gonna have a lot of meetings at this company. So we're gonna make them better. We're not just gonna have shitty meetings and let them let them slide. So finding recurring things and making them slightly better because it'll compound over time. So that was that was my What was your bet? What was your partner's name at monkeyinferno,

every meeting then people know. That's how we do meetings. And so once you teach about how we do meetings, we're gonna have a lot of meetings at this company. So we're gonna make them better. We're not just gonna have shitty meetings and let them let them slide. So finding recurring things and making them slightly better because it'll compound over time. So that was that was my What was your bet? What was your partner's name at monkeyinferno,

01:00:19

for

for

01:00:20

Forcon.

Forcon.

01:00:21

Furcon, I think, was, like, I don't know him well, but I could only I could hang out with him for thirty seconds, and I could just tell. He's the man at seeing redundancies

Furcon, I think, was, like, I don't know him well, but I could only I could hang out with him for thirty seconds, and I could just tell. He's the man at seeing redundancies

01:00:30

or not redundancies,

or not redundancies,

01:00:31

seeing things that you do over and over and over again and be like, yeah, we're gonna get rid of that, and we're gonna fix it by doing this, this, and this. And it seems like you're like, dude, you're just slowing us down. What are you doing? He's like, no. No. No. You gotta go fast to go slow or you gotta go slow to go fast. He seems like that type of personality. Did he did he do that all the time? He was definitely,

seeing things that you do over and over and over again and be like, yeah, we're gonna get rid of that, and we're gonna fix it by doing this, this, and this. And it seems like you're like, dude, you're just slowing us down. What are you doing? He's like, no. No. No. You gotta go fast to go slow or you gotta go slow to go fast. He seems like that type of personality. Did he did he do that all the time? He was definitely,

01:00:48

he had,

he had,

01:00:49

you know, the hacker's laziness, which was like,

you know, the hacker's laziness, which was like,

01:00:53

I'm not gonna do something unless I'm unless it's clear that it's gonna that it matters. Like, I'm just gonna do shit. Just a do shit. That's the first thing.

I'm not gonna do something unless I'm unless it's clear that it's gonna that it matters. Like, I'm just gonna do shit. Just a do shit. That's the first thing.

01:01:01

Second thing, I'm not gonna do the same thing every day.

Second thing, I'm not gonna do the same thing every day.

01:01:04

If I if I'm doing it if I have to do it multiple times, I'm automating this. And same thing, he would look around and be like,

If I if I'm doing it if I have to do it multiple times, I'm automating this. And same thing, he would look around and be like,

01:01:10

yeah, what's Sean doing? What's Jason doing? The nontechnical people, and he'd be like,

yeah, what's Sean doing? What's Jason doing? The nontechnical people, and he'd be like,

01:01:15

Hey,

Hey,

01:01:15

Neil, you see, Jason keeps

Neil, you see, Jason keeps

01:01:18

what he's doing is he's going and finding each person manually on Twitter. You should just scrape this whole list,

what he's doing is he's going and finding each person manually on Twitter. You should just scrape this whole list,

01:01:23

put it in a database,

put it in a database,

01:01:24

and and

and and

01:01:26

copy paste this code snippet so that he could put that on his machine. That he could just have his leads ready so he can go faster. And he would do a lot of stuff like that. Like, he told a story early at Applovens. Apploven was a a mobile ad tech company that,

copy paste this code snippet so that he could put that on his machine. That he could just have his leads ready so he can go faster. And he would do a lot of stuff like that. Like, he told a story early at Applovens. Apploven was a a mobile ad tech company that,

01:01:39

is now worth billions of dollars. And he was the cofounder of it. And before Khan told me a story. He's like, yeah, Adam,

is now worth billions of dollars. And he was the cofounder of it. And before Khan told me a story. He's like, yeah, Adam,

01:01:46

The CEO, he's like, one thing he really cared about was his dashboard.

The CEO, he's like, one thing he really cared about was his dashboard.

01:01:50

Like, what does our dashboard look like so that I have visibility? And he's like, I was like, I kinda watched Adam to see, like, is there really any value out of this? Or is he just, you know, sometimes CEOs just have pet projects. They just want to look nice. And he's like, is it that or is there value here? So he shadowed them. He's like, alright. I'm not gonna say my computer. I'm sitting at your computer. You show me what are you looking at with this dashboard? What do you do with And so he showed them and he's like, yeah, I do I look at this. I look at this. And then that tells me who we need to go after,

Like, what does our dashboard look like so that I have visibility? And he's like, I was like, I kinda watched Adam to see, like, is there really any value out of this? Or is he just, you know, sometimes CEOs just have pet projects. They just want to look nice. And he's like, is it that or is there value here? So he shadowed them. He's like, alright. I'm not gonna say my computer. I'm sitting at your computer. You show me what are you looking at with this dashboard? What do you do with And so he showed them and he's like, yeah, I do I look at this. I look at this. And then that tells me who we need to go after,

01:02:13

for these deals. And I need to figure out how much to offer them so that I can get them faster. Like, you know, instead of just saying you should work with us for these features. If I just make a monetary offer that's better than their current ad network, they'll switch. And he's like, okay. So you need figure out this list. You need this data, and then you need to know a projection of how much we can make with them. So you can offer less than that.

for these deals. And I need to figure out how much to offer them so that I can get them faster. Like, you know, instead of just saying you should work with us for these features. If I just make a monetary offer that's better than their current ad network, they'll switch. And he's like, okay. So you need figure out this list. You need this data, and then you need to know a projection of how much we can make with them. So you can offer less than that.

01:02:33

But still more than what they're probably making for their current ad network. And I should just show you which what their current ad network is

But still more than what they're probably making for their current ad network. And I should just show you which what their current ad network is

01:02:38

in this dashboard. I'll just figure that out by looking at their SDK blah blah blah. He looked he basically put together this, like,

in this dashboard. I'll just figure that out by looking at their SDK blah blah blah. He looked he basically put together this, like,

01:02:45

command center for the CEO. And he's like, he basically built a sales tool rather than working on features of the product. He's like, I'm gonna build you something. And what's what they did was they would go to a developer. They say, you should use our ad network. And they're like, I already have an ad network. He said cool.

command center for the CEO. And he's like, he basically built a sales tool rather than working on features of the product. He's like, I'm gonna build you something. And what's what they did was they would go to a developer. They say, you should use our ad network. And they're like, I already have an ad network. He said cool.

01:02:59

I'm guessing your ad network pays you nine dollars CPM.

I'm guessing your ad network pays you nine dollars CPM.

01:03:02

And they're like, yeah, something like that. He said cool. We'll pay you twenty two dollars.

And they're like, yeah, something like that. He said cool. We'll pay you twenty two dollars.

01:03:07

Is it how can you do that? Don't worry. They are ad networks better. I could sit here to convince you our ad networks better, but I'll just sign this paper that says, we're already gonna pay you twenty dollars no matter Like, I'm just confident it's gonna perform because I know our ad networks better. And they're like, okay. He's like, but here's the, you know, you gotta switch, and we have these two engineers standing here next to me, they're gonna help you switch today. And then they would just and they just rolled through the ad market because they were able to go to people and make them No brainer offers. How did they make them no brainer offers? They because they had this command center internally that was, how big is this app What are they currently using? How much are they currently making? How much do we think we can make of of them? And then how do we have a, a spread there that we can work with? And so I thought that that was a great example of for con,

Is it how can you do that? Don't worry. They are ad networks better. I could sit here to convince you our ad networks better, but I'll just sign this paper that says, we're already gonna pay you twenty dollars no matter Like, I'm just confident it's gonna perform because I know our ad networks better. And they're like, okay. He's like, but here's the, you know, you gotta switch, and we have these two engineers standing here next to me, they're gonna help you switch today. And then they would just and they just rolled through the ad market because they were able to go to people and make them No brainer offers. How did they make them no brainer offers? They because they had this command center internally that was, how big is this app What are they currently using? How much are they currently making? How much do we think we can make of of them? And then how do we have a, a spread there that we can work with? And so I thought that that was a great example of for con,

01:03:50

figuring out

figuring out

01:03:52

how to make the company six in a way that most engineers would not do because most engineers just wanna work on product and not even product.

how to make the company six in a way that most engineers would not do because most engineers just wanna work on product and not even product.

01:03:59

Like, the under the hood parts of the product, which is, like, even worse than making the product better.

Like, the under the hood parts of the product, which is, like, even worse than making the product better.

01:04:04

Dude, this is the most wholesome episode we'd done in, like, two months.

Dude, this is the most wholesome episode we'd done in, like, two months.

01:04:08

We weren't talking about, like, CEOs fighting each other and shit.

We weren't talking about, like, CEOs fighting each other and shit.

01:04:12

No one's making no one's getting made fun of. We're totally aligned.

No one's making no one's getting made fun of. We're totally aligned.

01:04:17

Lots of take home value here. This is this is a, this is, like, the most wholesome thing we've done in a long time. I actually

Lots of take home value here. This is this is a, this is, like, the most wholesome thing we've done in a long time. I actually

01:04:24

am, like, I feel like I'm learning. This is this episode was good because I've I'm sitting here in a notebook taking note I'm learning. That's a good se. I'm learning. Yeah. I love that. Well, that's it. That's the episode. Good pod.

am, like, I feel like I'm learning. This is this episode was good because I've I'm sitting here in a notebook taking note I'm learning. That's a good se. I'm learning. Yeah. I love that. Well, that's it. That's the episode. Good pod.

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