At Kognic, we're committed to fostering a world-class team and company culture—our principles include transparency, performance, trust, and rapid iteration. We address the principal-agent problem by aligning goals and risk preferences, nurturing a culture inclusive of gender and ethnicity but exclusive in determination and vision.
Read MoreI write a lot about building companies. At one point in the past, I wrote: "If you care about raising a huge round from a top-tier VC, then you need to make very deliberate choices." In this post, I dig deeper into what I’ve learned about what such deliberate choices might look like.
Read MoreI spend a lot of time evaluating people. What makes someone get up in the morning? What drives them? I believe smart people who are prepared to work hard will always be able to make a living in a peaceful democracy. And for most people, that’s enough. A job, a family, and the joy of everyday things. I respect that, and I understand that. Some, however, for some reason, need more. Who are these people?
Read MoreTechnology and entrepreneurship are lifelong passions of mine. Most things have not been invented yet, and imagining all the cool stuff we will enjoy in the future is a favorite past-time. But how do you turn new technology into valuable products, and how is that related to risk and reward?
Read MoreThe best way to operate in a fast-paced environment that requires solving complex problems is to empower your team, strive for greatness, and focus. By allowing time to explore, having the patience to spend on R&D, and the courage to trust your team to solve audacious problems - you will create a ton of value. Sometimes you will fail miserably, but that’s part of life. No risk, no reward.
Read MoreIkigai consists of the words ‘iki’ (to live) and ‘gai’ (reason) and refers to the importance of having a purpose in life. I think purpose is as necessary for companies as it is for people. The world is a maelstrom of opportunities and competition, and forces pull us in all directions at every moment. Finding purpose, and building a culture of joy around that, is necessary to thrive. So what does it take to find purpose?
Read MoreI think society as a whole is trapped by the fallacy that logic always beats emotion. This conviction stifles innovation, removes personal responsibility and harms our wellbeing. I encourage everyone who works for me to make risky decisions. Believe in something. I will reward courage as much as success. If you do your homework, gather facts, make a decision and own it, I will support you no matter the outcome.
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