“Successful entrepreneurship is something you see in the rearview mirror,” confided Glazer, who divides would-be founders into three distinct groups. “The wantrepreneurs think being entrepreneurial is cool but lack the comfort with risk-taking that is foundational to going the distance,” he explained. “Intrapreneurs are risk-takers and innovators but flourish more readily within the protective space of a corporate structure. And true entrepreneurs have this passion to do something specific that is burning inside of them and making them feel that every day they aren’t doing that thing is killing them!”
Glazer has devoted the better part of his professional life to understanding how to turn that passion into sustainable enterprises that make money and satisfy our human longing for purpose and personal growth. That he has succeeded may be inferred from the abundance of “best places to work” recognition he’s received in publications such as Forbes, Inc., Fortune, Ad Age and Entrepreneur and by Glassdoor and other organizations.
In this episode, you will learn the approaches Glazer uses to elevate expectations on his team. Above all, says Glazer, the more transparent your culture is, the more resilient it’s likely to be. “A great culture is like Gandhi’s famous quote about happiness: When what your company does, says, and thinks are in alignment,” said Glazer. “That’s the kind of company I want to keep.”
You will learn:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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