20VC: Why Financial Planning and Goals Do Not Work, The Decision to Ban Politics in the Workplace and Losing 1/3 of the Team Overnight & The One Question That Will Drive All Decision-Making for Leaders with Jason Fried, CEO @ 37Signals

Jason Fried the Co-Founder and CEO at 37signals, makers of Basecamp and HEY. Over an incredible 21-year journey, Jason and his co-founder David have scaled Basecamp to become the communication tool trusted by millions. Jason is also the co-author of the widely acclaimed, ReWork and has also made several angel investments in the likes of Intercom, Gumroad and Hodinkee to name a few. In Todays Episode with Jason Fried We Discuss 1. From Web Design Agency to Founding Basecamp: • What was the a-ha moment for Jason when they had to make the pivot from a design agency to going full-time launching and running Basecamp as a SaaS company? • What is Jason running towards? What is he running from? • What is the single biggest fear that Jason is trying to avoid? 2. Jason Fried: The Leader: • Why does Jason believe he is running from his position as leader and CEO @ Basecamp? • Why does Jason not like or agree with goals or targets? Why are they not helpful? • How does Jason make decisions today as a leader and CEO? What one question does he ask that determines his decision-making process? • Why does Jason never compare himself to the competition? Why does he believe competition is for losers? 3. Jason Fried: The Politicisation of Leadership: • Why did Jason and David decide to not allow politics in the workplace? • How did they manage with 1/3 of their team leaving overnight? How was that experience for them personally? How did it impact the company? Is there anything they would do differently? • Does Jason believe we will see the continued politicization of leadership in the coming months? • How would Jason advise other CEOs when it comes to taking a stance on politics? 4. Jason Fried: Building the Best Team: • What is the one question that determines whether you made a good hire? • Why does Basecamp start with hiring all employees on a week-long project contract? • Why does Jason believe the best CEOs approach management as the art of the individual? 5. Jason Fried: The Partner, Father, and Husband: • Jason and David have been partners for 21 years, why does Jason believe it is helpful that they do not see each other much? • Is it right for co-founders and partners to be friends? • What have been Jason's single biggest lessons on what it takes to be the best husband? • What does great fatherhood mean to Jason? How has it changed over time?