Growth: David Mandell - How to Build a Company From Scratch | E39

What does it really take to be a successful CEO and navigate the challenges of building a company from the ground up?Co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with David Mandell, a serial entrepreneur, multiple-time founder, and now co-founder and general partner at Massive VC. David shares his wealth of experience and insights on the realities of being a CEO and the journey of building a successful company. He shares the importance of mentorship, and the true meaning of success in the startup world. David's honest approach sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of leadership and the personal growth that comes with the role. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, current CEOs, and anyone interested in the inner workings of the startup ecosystem.[00:00 - 09:34] The Lonely Journey of Building a CompanyThe early beginning of David in the entrepreneurial world Why is important to find your support system in your process? [09:35 - 15:18] How-to Overcome the “I’m not good enough” feeling?Storytime when David went to a CEO bootcamp It's about the long game, and there's no end to the journey.Coaching and Pattern Recognition[15:19 - 22:26] Ego-Driven Decisions vs. Long Game DecisionsEgo-driven decisions are usually about how to look good in a situation.The real game is the long game.When people see you making long game decisions they learn to trust you more.[22:27 - 26:33] Navigating Exits and the Perception of SuccessMost exits are not what they look like.David's story of how he left a company.Whether or not the company succeeded doesn't equate to whether the CEO succeeded or failed.[26:34 - 30:27] Treating People the Right Way as a CEOThe best way to treat people the right way is to know that you're not there to make friends, you're there to build a business.Give people clear objectives.What is the role of a CEO from a leadership perspective. [30:28 - 41:43] The Reality of Being a CEOBeing a CEO is a very different role than what most people think it is.Your job is to make sure everyone else has what they need, not to knock out as much shit as everybody else is knocking out.Every single thing in your world relies on you as the CEO, and oftentimes you can't talk to anyone about what you're struggling with.[41:33 - 43:09] Defining LegacyLegacy is about how you show up every day as a person and if you can show up a little better as a human and a little better as an example today than you were yesterday.If you can use that to help other people be better at who they are and what they do, that's really all you should be shooting for.Key quotes: "The best way to treat people the right way is to know that you're not there to make friends, you're there to build a business." - David Mandell "As a CEO, you don't have the same role. Your job is to make sure everyone else has what they need." - David MandellSTAY UP TO DATE with all our content! Sign-in to our Newsletter here: I want to Subscribe Reach out to Bennie Fowler!Instagram: @benniefowler1X: @BennieFowler123Reach out to Ryan Harris! Instagram: @ryanharris_68X: @ryanharris_68Connect with David Mandell!X: @dgmandellWANT TO LEARN MORE?Follow us on Instagram: @gridiron_growthpodcastThanks for tuning in!If you enjoyed the show, please LEAVE A 5-star REVIEW, like, and subscribe through your favorite streaming platform!