The Knife Behind the Smile
A Routine Meeting, a Subtle Shift The founder walks into the quarterly board meeting. It’s a familiar scene:... Read more
Founder Breakups Are Real. So Why Don’t We Plan for Them?*
Everyone reading this knows someone whose marriage ended. Those endings aren’t always kind. And when things turn adversarial,... Read more
The Bravest Phrase
I met a founder recently who quickly won me over. We had a conversation about his business. We... Read more
Relentless State of Negotiation
Everyone wants something. Your investors want more of your company if it’s succeeding and less if it’s not.... Read more
Giving Thanks
It’s a common scene. We sit around the Thanksgiving table, raise a glass to our loved ones and... Read more
Everything Comes Down To Trust — Finding the Right Co-Founder For Your Start-up
The other day someone asked me how to find the right co-founder for their startup. This is what... Read more
Recognize the Signs of a Depleted Emotional Gas Tank
I’ve learned to pay attention to my little clues. I wake up feeling unrested. I’m in a conversation,... Read more
Fifty Summers Left
I only have 50 summers left. Read more
The Pleaser CEO
I believe a CEO’s role is threefold: Set the organizational direction. Build a great team. Secure the resources... Read more
Frantic Founder Syndrome
You call it multi-tasking. Read more
Your Startup Is An Ugly Baby… Here’s How to Raise It
As the founder of ETW Advisors, I have the good fortune of working with dozens of entrepreneurs every... Read more
Stop F*cking Begging
You’re begging for two reasons: Read more
Startup Burn
I’m fortunate to have just returned from a week at Burning Man. It was my 3rd burn in... Read more
The Gladiator Entrepreneur
Shut yourself down, or your body will do it for you. Applaud the gladiator entrepreneur! She travels across... Read more
The Sober List
It is not arrogant to say No. It is not rude to say No. It is not inconsiderate... Read more