Christopher Lochhead Follow Your Different™

著者: Christopher Lochhead
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  • Christopher Lochhead | Follow Your Different is pioneer in real dialogue podcasts. “The best business podcast” – Podcast Magazine “The worst business podcast” – Neil Pearlberg
    © 2022 Christopher Lochhead Follow Your Different™ Podcast
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Christopher Lochhead | Follow Your Different is pioneer in real dialogue podcasts. “The best business podcast” – Podcast Magazine “The worst business podcast” – Neil Pearlberg
© 2022 Christopher Lochhead Follow Your Different™ Podcast
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  • 396 You Need a Dream, Not a Deck – Zero Billion Dollar Markets with Steve Vassallo
    2025/04/28
    On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we have a dialogue with Steve Vassallo, a General Partner at Foundation Capital, to celebrate the firm's 30th anniversary and explore the evolution of venture capital (VC) in Silicon Valley. We discuss the shift of many traditional VC firms from early-stage investments to a more asset management-oriented approach. Steve Vassallo talks about the importance of maintaining a craft-oriented, personalized approach to VC, focusing on product excellence and effective distribution. He also highlights the current trends in AI and blockchain, urging founders to prioritize innovation and core product differentiation in a rapidly changing market. With nearly 18 years at Foundation Capital, Steve shares his unique insights into the changing landscape of venture capital, the importance of maintaining a craft-oriented approach, and the challenges faced by early-stage founders. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go. Celebrating 30 Years of Foundation Capital Foundation Capital recently marked its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone in its journey. The firm has launched its 11th fund, a $600 million vehicle aimed at supporting extraordinary founders at the earliest stages of their ventures, particularly in the enterprise sector. Steve Vassallo adds that more than half of their investments focus on early-stage companies, including seed and Series A rounds, with a strong emphasis on technology, particularly in fintech and crypto. Steve Vassallo on the Changing VC Landscape Christopher and Steve Vassallo then discuss the evolution of VC firms, noting that many traditional firms have transformed into asset managers rather than remaining true venture capitalists. Steve points out that the percentage of capital raised by these firms for early-stage investments has dwindled significantly. He estimates that only about 20% of the capital raised by these larger firms is allocated to early-stage investments, with the majority directed towards growth-stage companies. In contrast, Foundation Capital dedicates approximately 70-80% of their recent fund to backing founders at the inception of their ideas. Steve humorously refers to these early-stage entrepreneurs as "pre-founders" or "pre-criminals," highlighting the raw potential and creativity that often characterize this stage of entrepreneurship. The Craft of Venture Capital Their conversation then moves to the notion that venture capital is fundamentally a craft business rather than a scalable factory-like operation. Christopher likens the venture capital process to crafting custom surfboards, where the quality and personal touch of the creator matter significantly. He argues that the best results come from a deep, personalized partnership with founders, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Reflecting on his own background in product design, Steve Vassallo adds that he initially believed that the best product would always win in the market. However, he quickly learned that effective distribution often trumps product quality. This realization was humbling for him, as he recognized the critical role that marketing and sales play in a product's success. He stresses that when extraordinary products are paired with exceptional distribution channels, remarkable outcomes can occur. To hear more from Steve Vassallo and the future of Venture Capital, download and listen to this episode. Bio ​Steve Vassallo is a General Partner at Foundation Capital, where he invests at the intersection of design, technology, and business. Since joining the firm in 2007, he has led investments in transformative companies such as Stripe, Sunrun, Cerebras Systems, and Solana. Steve co-leads Foundation's crypto practice and is known for backing product-first founders tackling consequential problems ...
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    1 時間 2 分
  • 395 Work Is The Reward: How To Design A Career You Never Want To Quit | Pirates Perspective
    2025/04/21
    On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, Christopher and his fellow Pirates explore the concept of retirement, challenging the traditional notion that it is the ultimate goal of one's career. Instead, they advocate for a paradigm shift, suggesting that work can be a source of meaning, freedom, and joy. They discuss the "big retirement lie," advocating for a life and career one doesn’t want to retire from. Eddie shares his view of retirement as a "runway" for continued growth. The Pirates collectively emphasize the importance of meaningful work and encourage everyone to design careers that align with their passions, making work a rewarding aspect of life. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go. The Concept of Retirement Christopher sets the stage by inviting listeners to explore what he calls the "big retirement lie." He challenges the conventional wisdom that retirement is the golden pot at the end of a long work journey. Instead, he suggests that work can be a source of fulfillment and joy, rather than something to escape from. He cites examples of individuals like Mick Jagger and Dolly Parton, who continue to work and find meaning in their careers well into their later years. The conversation aims to inspire listeners to rethink their relationship with work and consider how they can design a life that integrates work as a rewarding aspect rather than a burdensome obligation. The "Big Retirement Lie" Katrina expands on the idea of the "big retirement lie." She argues that the conventional wisdom of working hard, saving money, and then retiring to enjoy life is flawed. Instead, she encourages listeners to consider how they can design their lives and careers in such a way that they never feel the need to retire. This perspective shifts the focus from a future escape to a present engagement with work that brings joy and satisfaction. Eddie shares his personal journey and insights regarding retirement. He describes retirement not as a final destination but as a "runway" that allows for continued growth and exploration. He reflects on his own experiences, noting that he has retired multiple times, only to find himself drawn back into work that he loves. Eddie emphasizes that the idea of retirement as a permanent stop is misleading; instead, he views it as a layover on a journey filled with opportunities for new adventures. The Importance of Meaningful Work Eddie discusses the significance of meaningful work, arguing that the pursuit of financial freedom should not overshadow the desire for a fulfilling career. He believes that having a financial runway, like sufficient resources to explore new opportunities. can empower individuals to take risks and pursue their passions without the fear of financial instability. Eddie also touches on the idea of serendipity in career paths. He shares how unexpected opportunities can arise when individuals remain open to new experiences and collaborations. This mindset fosters a sense of adventure and exploration, allowing for personal and professional growth. To hear more about the Pirate's Perspectives on Retirement and doing meaningful work, download and listen to this episode. Subscribe to Category Pirates today and join the crew in our Category Design journey on the business seas! Don’t forget to grab a copy (or gift!) of one of our best-selling books: Snow Leopard: How Legendary Writers Create A Category Of One The Category Design Toolkit: Beyond Marketing: 15 Frameworks For Creating & Dominating Your Niche A Marketer’s Guide To Category Design: How To Escape The “Better” Trap, Dam The Demand, And Launch A Lightning Strike Strategy The 22 Laws of Category Design: Name & Claim Your Niche, Share Your POV, And Move The World From Where It Is To Somewhere Different **NEW!
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    51 分
  • 394 Radical Listening: The Superpower Hiding in Plain Sight with Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh & Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener
    2025/04/07
    On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we engage with psychologists Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener to explore the concept of radical listening. We discuss why effective listening is challenging in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world and identify cultural and emotional barriers that hinder genuine communication. We’ll also highlight how radical listening can transform personal and professional relationships by making others feel seen, valued, and heard through active curiosity and empathy. This episode serves as a call to action for listeners to cultivate deeper connections through intentional and empathetic listening practices. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go. Introduction to Radical Listening Christopher sets the stage by introducing his esteemed guests, Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener. He poses them a critical question: why do so many people struggle with listening effectively? This question serves as the foundation for a deep dive into the nuances of listening and its impact on human connection. Dr. van Nieuwerburgh begins by highlighting a paradox: despite being born with the ability to hear, many individuals fail to listen well. He attributes this to several factors: our current fast-paced modern lifestyles, technological distractions, and each person’s internal emotional barriers. Dr. Biswas-Diener adds that cultural dynamics play a significant role in shaping our listening habits. In Western societies, individualism often leads to conversations becoming competitions for airtime. People frequently listen with the intent to respond rather than to understand, resulting in superficial interactions. This "waiting to talk" mentality is a significant barrier to genuine listening. The Importance of Curiosity Chistopher shares his personal journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of personal development in improving listening skills. He recalls a coach who taught him that what many people call listening is often just waiting for their turn to speak. This insight underscores the need for a shift in mindset. Dr. van Nieuwerburgh agrees and adds that a key aspect of radical listening is approaching conversations with curiosity. When individuals genuinely seek to understand others, they create a space for deeper connection. This involves asking them open-ended questions, avoiding assumptions, and practicing patience and letting the other person finish their thoughts without interruption. Cultural Influences on Listening The conversation shifts to the impact of technology and social media on listening habits. Christopher points out that many platforms prioritize self-promotion and broadcasting over genuine interaction. This environment fosters a culture of "me first," where individuals are more concerned with sharing their own experiences than engaging with others. Christopher also reflects on the teachings of Stephen Covey, who emphasized the importance of seeking first to understand before being understood. He contrasts this with the current trend of self-centered communication, where individuals prioritize their own narratives over listening to others. Dr. Biswas-Diener acknowledges this shift and highlights the need for a rebranding of listening practices to emphasize connection rather than mere comprehension. To hear more from Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh & Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener and how Listening can be a superpower in everyday life, download and listen to this episode. Bio ​Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh is a distinguished executive coach, academic, and consultant, renowned for his contributions to coaching and positive psychology. He currently serves as Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at the Centre for Positi...
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    1 時間 28 分

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