Founder's Journal - podcast cover

Founder's Journal

Alex Lieberman, the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Morning Brew, gives you an insider’s look into building businesses. Alex explores the founder’s journey, from the painful challenges of 0-to-1 to the powerful frameworks that help you scale to millions in revenue as well as the emotional rollercoaster that is present throughout.

Episodes

6 Traits of the Best People I Ever Worked With

In this episode, I detail 6 non-obvious traits of the best professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 08, 202112 minEp 292Transcript available on Metacast

Painkiller or Vitamin: Which Is Needed For Your Business?

In this episode, I discuss the importance of being a painkiller, not a vitamin in business. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 06, 202110 minEp 291Transcript available on Metacast

The Leadership Benefits of Transparency

In this episode, I discuss why implementing the right amount of transparency in a company builds trust and maximizes employees’ impact on customers. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 03, 202115 minEp 290Transcript available on Metacast

Winning In Your Career As A Jack Of All Trades

Some of the greatest performers of modern society also have the greatest range. In this episode, I breakdown why possessing a broad skill set can help boost your career development. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 01, 202112 minEp 289Transcript available on Metacast

How to Speak with Radical Candor

Imagine how well companies would be run if everyone understood what people thought of them and how they could be doing their job better to help the business grow. In this episode, I lay out the challenges and benefits of radical candor. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Nov 29, 202116 minEp 288Transcript available on Metacast

The Power of Perspective and Prioritizing Family & Friends (Classic)

Let this classic episode serve as a reminder to us all to prioritize friends, family and the power of perspective. Without perspective, you can get lost in the day-to-day grind without a reminder of what it is that you’re grinding for. I have found one of the healthiest ways to strive is through experiences that create perspective. You can hear more about how the loss of my dad changed my life in Episode #157 "Losing My Dad" Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.co...

Nov 26, 202116 minEp 287Transcript available on Metacast

How to Crush 1:1 Meetings

It’s one of the only times in a week where you have the undivided attention of your boss or direct report. In this episode, I breakdown why 1:1’s are key to a successful career. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24, 202111 minEp 286Transcript available on Metacast

Lessons from ConstitutionDAO

To be a successful careerist, you need to keep your finger on the pulse of technologies that are changing the world. In this episode, I breakdown the biggest takeaways from ConstitutionDAO and what it could mean for the future. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 22, 202111 minEp 285Transcript available on Metacast

Mental Models #6: The Power of Leverage

In this episode, I break down the different types of leverage you need to understand to make smart career decisions. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 19, 202110 minEp 284Transcript available on Metacast

Mental Models #5: How To Prioritize Time & Tasks To Enhance Your Work (Classic)

I’ve always been fascinated by great workers and their ability to prioritize their work effectively. Today, I take you though the prioritization strategies of a myriad of professionals that you can test and add to your professional toolkit. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...

Nov 19, 202114 minEp 284Transcript available on Metacast

Mental Models #4: Second Order Thinking - Considering The Unexpected

This week’s miniseries theme is Mental Models. In this episode, I break down why every great entrepreneur, investor, or employee must learn how to become a great second order thinker. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17, 20218 minEp 283Transcript available on Metacast

Mental Models #3: How Elon Musk Thinks Part II (Classic)

In this classic episode, I celebrate the birthday of Elon Musk by breaking the second powerful mental model that he uses to run his businesses: First Principles Thinking Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17, 202111 minEp 283Transcript available on Metacast

Mental Models #2: Inversion - Solve Problems and Make Better Decisions

This week’s miniseries theme is Mental Models. We’re going to talk about some of the most powerful tools you can use to sharpen your thinking, prioritizing, and decision-making. Many of these tools have been made famous by leaders like Elon Musk & Dwight Eisenhower. In this episode, I’m talking about a mental model known as Inversion. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or...

Nov 15, 202110 minEp 282Transcript available on Metacast

Mental Models #1: How Elon Musk Thinks Part I (Classic)

We’re dropping our third Founder's Journal miniseries this week! That means double the episodes today, Wednesday and Friday. This week’s theme is Mental Models. In this classic episode I break down a powerful mental model Elon Musk uses to build his businesses: Sum Product Thinking. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about y...

Nov 15, 20218 minEp 282Transcript available on Metacast

Lessons From The Great Resignation

A record number of Americans have quit their jobs in recent months. In this episode, I break down what’s driving the great resignation and what employers can learn from it. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 12, 202112 minEp 281Transcript available on Metacast

Startup Crossfit: Soul Cycle with Mindfulness

This episode marks the return of Startup Crossfit! I take a business idea and run it through the gauntlet to see if it is poised for success or primed for failure. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 10, 202113 minEp 280Transcript available on Metacast

The #1 Key to a Startup's Success

In this episode, I explain why market is the most important part of building a startup. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 08, 202114 minEp 279Transcript available on Metacast

A Company Isn't Family

The differences between a family and a company should be obvious yet, employees in companies like to refer to their coworkers as a family and founders like to call their team a family. In this episode, I explain how this thought process can set a dangerous expectation. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more about your ad choices....

Nov 05, 202110 minEp 278Transcript available on Metacast

The Power of Disagreement

In this episode, I discuss why open and honest disagreement is one of the most important vehicles for society and companies to progress. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 03, 202114 minEp 277Transcript available on Metacast

Mimetic Theory & Decision Making

In this episode, I talk about why it is essential to understand mimetic theory and how it impacts the choices you make every single day. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 01, 202112 minEp 276Transcript available on Metacast

How to Start Building #6: The Evolution of an Entrepreneur

Welcome to the 6th and final installment of our How to Start Building miniseries. In this episode I breakdown the skills entrepreneurs must adapt over the life of their business. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 29, 202112 minEp 275Transcript available on Metacast

How to Start Building #5: How the Brew Raised Money (Classic)

In this classic episode, I talk about how we raised money for Morning Brew and how you should think about funding your business. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 29, 202112 minEp 275Transcript available on Metacast

How to Start Building #4: How Entrepreneurs Think

In this episode, I’m talking about the mental toolkit of successful entrepreneurs. If you're interested in learning more about thinking independently, check out my previous episode, Think for Yourself. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27, 202118 minEp 274Transcript available on Metacast

How to Start Building #3: Why a Sales Skillset is a Business Superpower (Classic)

In this classic episode, I examine our perception of sales and discuss why any modern business professional needs to take the skill seriously. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27, 20219 minEp 274Transcript available on Metacast

How to Start Building #2: Creating Startup Ideas

In this episode, I talk about how to think of startup ideas and cultivating the mindset of a business brainstormer. And if you're interested in hearing more about the formation and growth of Notarize, check out my previous episode, What to Learn from a Business That 10x'd in 5 Quarters. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista Learn more abou...

Oct 25, 202112 minEp 273Transcript available on Metacast

How to Start Building #1: Overcome Builder’s Block (Classic)

This week we're dropping a new miniseries here on Founder's Journal called How to Start Building. We'll be bringing back some classic episodes you loved—or if you're a new listener, maybe you haven't heard before—and some new episodes you won't want to miss. In this classic episode, I talk about a concept that I call Builder’s Block, what I do to remedy it, and why I think Builder’s Block is a good thing. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and...

Oct 25, 202115 minEp 273Transcript available on Metacast

How Morning Brew Exited in an 8-Figure Deal

In October of 2020, Morning Brew sold a majority stake of our business for 8-figures. As I reflect on our sale and the 5-year journey that preceded it, there are a handful of key decisions we made and characteristics we exhibited that made this outcome possible. I share them on today’s Founder’s Journal. As mentioned in this edition, check out my previous episode, Why a Sales Skillset is a Business Superpower and Paul Graham's blog post, How to Think For Yourself. Check out the full transcript a...

Oct 22, 202112 minEp 272Transcript available on Metacast

How to Think About Failure

Failure needs a rebrand. Without failure, we cannot grow as builders, searchers, and starters. Without failure, we can’t learn what works & what doesn’t. In today’s Episode, I distinguish good failure from bad failure, and how to approach good failure thoughtfully to accelerate your career. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more...

Oct 20, 202112 minEp 271Transcript available on Metacast

How to Find & Keep Building Momentum

In this episode, I’m breaking down the formula for creating and keeping momentum in business, in your career and in building a startup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 18, 202115 minEp 270Transcript available on Metacast

Stoicism & Focusing on What You Can Control

In this episode, I share some of the insights I've gained by studying the philosophy of stoicism and how it has helped me find direction. Check out the full transcript at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or my DMs are open @businessbarista. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 15, 202112 minEp 269Transcript available on Metacast