Want to read along? Download the transcription of this interview here.
As the President and COO of VMware, Carl Eschenbach helped build the company from 200 employees and 30 million dollars in revenue to 20,000 employees and 7 billion dollars in revenue. In 2016, he became a partner at Sequoia Capital – widely regarded as Silicon Valley’s most prestigious venture capital firm.
Carl is a true Corporate Competitor: He grew up in Pennsylvania and received five Most Valuable Athlete Awards and 10 varsity letters from his time playing football, baseball, and wrestling. In 2020, Carl was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an Outstanding American.
In this episode, Carl emphasizes the importance of “learning how to lose” because it is unlikely we will go undefeated in life. You will hear specific examples of his push (motivation) and pull (inspiration) leadership techniques so you can fight complacency.
You Will Learn:
- 4:00 The importance of “learning how to lose” because it is unlikely we will go undefeated in life.
- 11:00 The difference between motivation and inspiration, and how to balance both techniques in your leadership.
- 19:00 How Carl views getting older, and the fun goal he sets to resist complacency.
- 30:00 The nightly routine Carl has with his son to set him up for success.
- 32:00 4 things that threaten to stunt your team’s growth.
Resources:
- Connect with Carl on LinkedIn
- Wrestling Hall of Fame 2020 Induction Class.
- Sequoia Capital has been an early invester in companies like Airbnb, Instagram, and Zoom! Learn more.
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Greg Brenneman
“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.”
John C. Maxwell
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Simon Sinek
“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.”
Beth Brooke
“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.”
Rick Hendrick
“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!”
Bill George
“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.”
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