XL11: PAUL RUPPERT - From Selling Hi-Fi to Billion Dollar Startups, The Power of “Range”

We start this conversation describing the thrill of riding off piste as a ski instructor, when the fear and exhilaration that comes with riding the risk transcends into magic. So much of life happens in “the gaps”. Some of us prefer a quiet, predictable life while others seek challenge and constant evolution. My next guest, Paul Ruppert, is definitely in the second group. What Paul brings to the table is range is a rare quality to bring to a business - range is the ability see patterns, identify predictable characteristics and make sense of fast moving, fragmented markets. While specialists may build out the building blocks of technology industries, it’s those with Range that have their eye on where that technology is taking us. From his early experiences selling hi-fi on the east coast to building out billion dollar messaging startups that spanned the US and Asia, Paul’s career has been one of constant evolution… and surprises. Every time I talk with Paul and dig into his story, I discover a new rabbit hole... he met 4 US presidents, graduated from Harvard, holds 2 interoperability patents in messaging… and a few more that you’ll also enjoy in this podcast.