Idea to Startup

Latest Episodes:

How to Prioritize and Build a Personal Operating System (ITS classic) Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

We revisit an episode from the early days of the podcast on an operating system for founders. Not everything I say here has stuck, and not everything I do I recommend. But the bones of this podcast are rock solid. Being thoughtful about how you work and what you work on is the key for building a startup in the margins. And, everyone has more margins now. If you're one of the people who isn't going to have to commute again, this is your chance. Build an internal operating system so you maximize your output without burning out or killing your creativity.

Tacklebox Cohort 28 (Apply by May 1, starts June 2)
Tacklebox Self-Serve (if you want to go through the cohort content at your own pace)

How to lose 1.8 billion dollars in 10 days Apr 07, 2021

Show notes

Predicting a startup will fail is like betting every number on the roulette wheel except that green double zero and then puffing out your chest when one of your numbers hits. It's just not impressive to predict that something going up against overwhelming odds won't beat those odds.

And yet.... Sometimes people build startups like horses asses. And in that case, they need to be called out.

This podcast originally aired the day Quibi launched back in April of 2020 and gave the company 18 months to survive. It didn't come close. This podcast isn't dancing on the grave of a company that failed. It's pointing out all the completely predictable and avoidable mistakes the company made so you won't make them, too.

Tacklebox Cohort 28 (June 2)

Curiosity and Space Mar 31, 2021

Show notes

We're told the curious entrepreneurs are the most successful. But we're also told we need to be experts for our startups to work. How do you balance being curious and learning with being seen as an expert?
Today, we explore curiosity through one of the best founders to ever go through Tacklebox, and through another founder just getting started building something in the Space...space.

Tacklebox Accelerator (next program June 2)
Tacklebox Self-Paced Accelerator (next program whenever you'd like)
Ted Lasso Darts Scene

Survivorship Bias, Base Rates, and Librarians Mar 24, 2021

Show notes

You get startup advice constantly. Your ears probably perk up when it comes from an entrepreneur that's been successful. But what should you listen to? What's still relevant? How can you evaluate if the tactics an entrepreneur suggests are right for you?
Today we talk through survivorship bias, how to take advice, how to check base rates, and how to decide on the right strategies for your startup. Plus, librarians, salespeople, and adultery.

Tacklebox (Cohort starts March 31)
Tacklebox Self-Serve (No cohort, your own pace)
Don't Eat Before Reading This (Anthony Bourdain)

Let It Go Mar 17, 2021

Show notes

Today we'll talk about how to pick what you work on - we need to ensure you're spending your time on things that'll actually matter. We'll do it through the lens of the greatest company ever built.
We also wrap up Problems + Opportunities and get some guidance from Peter Drucker.

NewCo - Reach out to Marissa@buildwithnewco.com to pitch
Tacklebox - New cohort for idea-stage founders starting March 31
The Effective Executive - Drucker (🐐)

This Too Shall Pasta (Vision + Part II of Problems vs. Opportunities) Mar 10, 2021

Show notes

Last week, we laid out the Problems vs. Opportunities (PVO) framework. This week, we dive deeper into the "vision" part of the framework, helping you identify and follow your North Star.
We use This Too Shall Pasta, a gluten free DTC pasta company, to dig deeper into the PVO process.

Problems and Opportunities Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

Today we're talking about problems vs. opportunities. It's easy for entrepreneurs to spend their time putting out fires - they're often the only ones who will. But it's far more important to block off time to identify and pursue opportunities that'll create asymmetric value.
We discuss a framework for identifying, prioritizing, and pursuing opportunities. Also, Steph Curry and how to say "razorblades" with a flawless Australian accent.

The Case For Now Feb 24, 2021

Show notes

Three numbers and a story show the path for startups during a uniquely difficult but opportunity filled time. The goal of today's podcast is grounding and motivation. And pizza dough.
We talk through opportunities for compound interest, knowledge growth, and the $32 trillion dollars that will change the startup market.

Tacklebox Application (Cohort starts March 31)
Tacklebox Self-Serve
Amazzoni.us- use code "Tacklebox" at checkout for the best craft gin in the world (according to 2018)

What To Do About Competition (The Gift of "Which") Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

What do you do when you stumble upon, or get smacked in the face by, a competitor? How do you react? What do you focus on? What do you stop doing?
Can you still... exist?
We talk through exactly what to do with competitors and discuss the "Gift of Which."
The goods:

Tacklebox Application (March 31)
Tacklebox Self Serve (whenever you'd like)
Jojo Rabbit

How to Sell A Protein Bar in Seven(ish) Minutes Feb 10, 2021

Show notes

What if you've got a product and no customer? We go through an email from a listener who makes the world's best protein bars but has absolutely no idea who to sell them to. We use storytelling archetypes to find the best possible customer to catalyze the business.

The goods: