The Curious Connector: Rich Robinson on Discovery, Resilience, and Entrepreneurial Mindset

Rich Robinson—globetrotting entrepreneur, educator, comedian, and ecosystem builder—shares how travel shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and why being a "curious connector" has been his lifelong superpower. To date, Rich has been a co-founder and/or senior exec in eight startups (three of which exited to public companies), and he has served as an investor, board member, advisor, or mentor to dozens more. From founding China’s first mobile gaming company to teaching at Peking University and now leading initiatives in AI, blockchain, and robotics, Rich offers candid stories of successes, failures, and the power of resilience. His philosophy: failure is just feedback, and entrepreneurship is one of the best ways to become your best self.Show Notes[00:00] Stoicism, resilience, and why only reaction and action are in your control.[02:10] Introducing Rich Robinson: globetrotting serial entrepreneur, educator, comedian.[03:40] How travel set Rich on fire and shaped his entrepreneurial worldview.[06:05] The China Internet dragon takes hold: fascination with China + the Web.[07:30] Cycling across Africa: the entrepreneurial metaphor of highs and lows.[09:18] Moving to China in the early Internet days.[11:20] Rich’s first startup—MiG Mobile Interactive Games—and hard lessons in funding.[13:34] Why a $40M exit didn’t benefit him as founder.[15:03] Discovering his superpower through Ray Dalio’s PrinciplesYou test.[18:07] Building communities and ecosystems across Asia.[20:06] Today’s focus: the trifecta of blockchain, AI, and robotics.[22:19] Why being a “curious connector” is a superpower anyone can cultivate.[23:04] Failures as gifts: how rejection, awkwardness, and mistakes fuel growth.[27:50] From China speed to Bali balance: redefining success and energy.[30:43] Quick-fire entrepreneur hacks.[38:06] Gratitude and storytelling as the engines of entrepreneurship.Quick-Fire RecommendationsBook: The Great CEO Within: The Tactical Guide to Company Building by Matt Mochary — Amazon linkMorning Routine: Meditation + journaling (Vipassana / Transcendental Meditation, TM.org)Tool/App: Freedom (site blocker) — freedom.toDaily Habit: Gratitude practiceBest Advice: “Sales cures everything. Every entrepreneur must learn how to sell.”