Unlocking Values-Based Business & Personal Success with LaSean Smith

Maker Manager Money - Entrepreneur & Business Owner Inspiration

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LaSean Smith is a visionary investor and business strategist. With a background in software at Amazon and Microsoft, LaSean has deep expertise in artificial intelligence, behavioral economics, and systems engineering to reshape the landscape of business strategy. With over $450 million in capital deployed and several patents to his name, LaSean is a trailblazer in utilizing AI and machine learning to drive business success. His book, Values-Based Business Design, is an Amazon bestseller, reflecting his successful approach to high-growth product development. As founder of CAGR Investments, he propels software companies to exponential growth, emphasizing financial returns, relationships, and time efficiency. LaSean's philosophy, deeply rooted in Stoicism, focuses on reaction mastery and the vital roles of position, people, and process in achieving business success.
With a wealth of experience from tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, LaSean shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, values, and the future of business. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that you won’t want to miss:

1. Know Thyself: The Power of Personal Values
   LaSean emphasizes the importance of having a clear set of personal values, encapsulated in his North Star: "Know thyself, make things, stay free." This concise philosophy serves as a guiding principle, helping him navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. He believes that articulating your values not only keeps you accountable but also attracts like-minded individuals—co-founders, investors, and customers—who resonate with your mission. In a world that often feels polarized, being transparent about what you stand for is more crucial than ever.
2. The Discrepancy Between Intentions and Actions
   We delved into the common gap between what people say they value and how they actually behave. LaSean suggests a simple yet powerful shift in language: instead of saying "I can," commit to "I will." This subtle change fosters accountability and clarity in our commitments. He challenges listeners to identify the values they would defend even at the cost of their business. This reflection can lead to a more authentic and purpose-driven approach to entrepreneurship.
3. Innovation vs. Operational Excellence
   LaSean argues that not all companies need to chase technological innovation to succeed. Instead, he advocates for focusing on operational excellence and finding innovative products or services to deliver to the market. He highlights that many successful companies are not inventors but rather exceptional operators who understand their customers and can execute effectively. For entrepreneurs, especially those with limited resources, building a cash-generating machine should be the priority before venturing into the realms of invention or innovation.

Key Topics:

• LaSean's personal values and "North Star"
• The importance of accountability in business
• Discrepancies between intentions and actions
• LaSean's entrepreneurial journey from childhood to tech
• Innovation vs. operational excellence in business

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Chapters

1. Introduction to the Podcast & Guest (00:00:00)

2. Personal Values and North Star (00:01:45)

3. Defining Values in Business (00:02:50)

4. Journey to Discovering Values (00:04:14)

5. Coaching and Mentoring Framework (00:06:01)

6. Intentions vs. Actions (00:07:18)

7. Values Worth Defending (00:08:52)

8. The Impact of Values on Revenue (00:10:11)

9. Polarization in Business Values (00:12:30)

10. Examples of Companies with Strong Values (00:13:11)

11. Technology and Innovation in Business (00:16:18)

12. Invention vs. Innovation (00:18:31)

13. Operational Excellence (00:20:48)

14. Commercialization and Innovation (00:25:34)

15. Early Entrepreneurial Experience (00:26:42)

16. Learning to Code (00:32:12)

17. Path to Corporate Careers (00:34:12)

18. Exposure to Corporate Environments (00:38:03)

19. Military Experience and Education (00:40:11)

20. Transition to Tech Startups (00:42:27)