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

Creating Startup Ideas (Classic)

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 full episode transcripts 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 mor...

Jun 06, 202212 minTranscript available on Metacast

Should I Hire My Friend (Classic)

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 full episode transcripts 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

Jun 03, 202213 minEp 366Transcript available on Metacast

Nurturing Your Hires (Classic)

In this classic episode, I discuss why companies should maintain relationships with all-star candidates, even if they aren't a fit for a specific role. Check out full episode transcripts 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

Jun 01, 202214 minTranscript available on Metacast

Learning How to Learn (Classic)

In this classic episode, I break down a four-step process for efficiently learning about any new topic personally or professionally. Check out full episode transcripts 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

May 30, 202220 minTranscript available on Metacast

I Call Bullsh*t on Life Hacks (Classic)

In a world where we expect immediacy and efficiency, there’s still a need for repeating the importance of doing the work. In this episode, I’m talking about why we’ve become obsessed with life hacks and why they're all a load of crap. Check out full episode transcripts 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

May 27, 20229 minEp 364Transcript available on Metacast

Should You Care About Competition? (Classic)

How much time should you spend worrying about "the other guy?" In this classic episode, I’m talking about competition and how much you should focus on it as a founder or an employee. Check out full episode transcripts 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

May 25, 202213 minEp 363Transcript available on Metacast

How To Write Better Online With David Perell (Classic)

I talk to David Perell, AKA The Writing Guy, about why online writing is one of the most important skills you can have and how you can do it more effectively. David has his own online writing school, called Write of Passage, and shares many of his insights on Twitter. Check out full episode transcripts 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 cho...

May 23, 202215 minEp 362Transcript available on Metacast

The Most Underrated Driver of Success & Happiness (Classic)

In this classic episode, I discuss a foundational skill that if mastered can drive long-term professional success & personal happiness. Check out full episode transcripts 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

May 20, 202211 minEp 361Transcript available on Metacast

Whatever You Do, Don’t Follow Your Passion (Classic)

In this classic episode, I talk about why following your passion is bad, anxiety-provoking advice & how thinking about the concept of "passion" differently can open you to greater freedom and success. Check out full episode transcripts 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

May 18, 20226 minEp 360Transcript available on Metacast

6 Steps for Successful Meetings (Classic)

If you’re a professional, you’re going to be dealing with meetings for the next several decades, so it’s worth taking the time to get good at them. In this classic episode, I offer up six tips for taking control of meetings in your professional life. Check out full episode transcripts 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 megaph...

May 16, 202210 minEp 359Transcript available on Metacast

Build Audience Like A Media Company (Classic)

The media landscape has shifted dramatically in the past two decades, making it easier than ever for individuals to create their own content and build an audience just like big media companies do. In this classic episode, I discuss how you can leverage this opportunity to accelerate your career or business. Check out full episode transcripts 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 @busin...

May 13, 20229 minEp 358Transcript available on Metacast

How to Build Meaningful Relationships (Classic)

In this classic episode, I reflect on the ways in which I’ve built deep, meaningful relationships as an entrepreneur Check out full episode transcripts 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

May 11, 202214 minEp 357Transcript available on Metacast

How to Get Promoted Faster (Classic)

In this classic episode, I talk about how to climb the ladder at your company faster and you through best practices to set yourself up for success when the time comes for a promotion. Check out full episode transcripts 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

May 09, 202216 minEp 356Transcript available on Metacast

How to Get Unstuck In Your Job (Classic)

In today's classic episode, I'm discussing feeling stuck at your job and walking through some strategies to help get unstuck and continue moving forward in 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 about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 06, 202215 minEp 357Transcript available on Metacast

Superpowers of a Top Performer (Classic)

In this classic episode, I discuss the foundational traits that all top performers have in common, with an emphasis on what it means to be a quality thinker. As I mentioned in the episode, for more information on effective prioritization, check out one of my earlier episodes, How To Prioritize Time & Tasks To Enhance Your Work. Check out full episode transcripts at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.com or m...

May 04, 202214 minEp 354Transcript available on Metacast

A Company Isn't Family (Classic)

I’m spending this month evolving Founder’s Journal so that we can make this show as good as humanly possible for the next generation of builders. While I dream up the future of this show, the team is serving up a whole bunch of classic episodes that you may not have heard before. In this classic episode, I talk about why your company isn’t your family. Check out full episode transcripts at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at ...

May 02, 202211 minEp 353Transcript available on Metacast

The #1 Key to a Startup's Success (Classic)

In this classic episode, I explain why the market is the most important thing for startup founders to get right. As mentioned in the episode, you can check out Marc Andreessen’s blog post here. Check out full episode transcripts 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

Apr 29, 202214 minEp 352Transcript available on Metacast

The Art of Negotiation

Entrepreneur and investor, Codie Sanchez, joins the pod to offer tips, tricks and principles for negotiating that every business builder needs to hear. Check out full episode transcripts 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

Apr 27, 202215 minEp 351Transcript available on Metacast

How to Think About Angel Investing

Fellow entrepreneur and friend of the pod, Codie Sanchez, joins me to discuss and debate our respective angel investing philosophies. As mentioned in this ep, you may want to check out a previous Founder’s Journal episode, 9 Principles for Angel Investing Check out full episode transcripts 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 m...

Apr 25, 202221 minEp 350Transcript available on Metacast

The Future of the Creator Economy

I have a theory that there is an opportunity to build a multi-billion dollar company by creating a holding company that helps creators build businesses. It’s part of why I’m trying to launch my first creator brand this year. In this episode, I put my ideas for creator focused businesses through the ringer with fellow entrepreneur and friend of the pod, Codie Sanchez. Check out full episode transcripts at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our sho...

Apr 22, 202225 minEp 349Transcript available on Metacast

Dangerous Human Behaviors Part II

I share my thoughts on some of the mental models from Charlie Munger’s book, Poor Charlie’s Almanack, as analyzed by Marc Andreesan, co-founder of one of the most successful VCs in the world. As mentioned in this ep, you may want to check out a previous Founder’s Journal episode Two Dangerous Human Behaviors Check out full episode transcripts 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 @busi...

Apr 20, 20229 minEp 348Transcript available on Metacast

An Introduction to Network Effects

In this episode, I break down what business builders need to know about network effects, inspired by Andrew Chen and his book, The Cold Start Problem. Check out full episode transcripts 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

Apr 18, 202216 minEp 347Transcript available on Metacast

Two Dangerous Human Behaviors

Understanding human behavior is so important when running a business. In this episode, I share with you lessons from Charlie Munger’s book, Poor Charlie’s Almanack, as analyzed by Marc Andreessen, co-founder of one of the most successful VCs in the world. As mentioned in this ep, you may want to check out a previous Founder’s Journal episode, How Incentives Can Make or Break Your Business. Check out full episode transcripts at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you hav...

Apr 15, 202211 minEp 346Transcript available on Metacast

Business Autopsy: Why Fintech Startup Fast Failed

Today’s episode is a convo between me and entrepreneur, Codie Sanchez about the now dead checkout startup, Fast. We break down what went wrong and what other business builders can learn from Fast’s mistakes. Check out full episode transcripts 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

Apr 13, 202212 minEp 345Transcript available on Metacast

All You Need to Know to Buy a “Boring” Business

Entrepreneur Codie Sanchez.pulls in 8 figures of passive income from small businesses. I walk Codie through my own mini-golf empire business plan, and Codie gives me a rundown on everything you need to think about before investing in a “boring” business. Check out full episode transcripts 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 me...

Apr 11, 202223 minEp 344Transcript available on Metacast

Buying into the ASMR Slime Business with Codie Sanchez

Have you ever found yourself falling down a Slime ASMR rabbit hole on YouTube? You’re not alone. This video alone has over 97 million views. Companies like PeachyBbies Slime Shop sell out of their products in minutes and have made a splash on social media. That got the attention of my good friend and fellow entrepreneur, Codie Sanchez. Codie joins me on this special edition of Founder’s Journal to talk about slime and investing in really weird businesses. Check out full episode transcripts at ht...

Apr 08, 202216 minEp 343Transcript available on Metacast

Could Elon Musk Become Twitter’s CEO?

Earlier this week Elon Musk became Twitter’s largest shareholder. Now, he’s officially joined the company’s board. I break down Elon and Twitter’s long history and offer my thoughts on what might happen next. Check out full episode transcripts 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

Apr 06, 202213 minEp 342Transcript available on Metacast

Using the Hub & Spoke Model to Grow Your Business

The model I use to think about growing businesses, including Morning Brew. Check out full episode transcripts 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

Apr 04, 20229 minEp 341Transcript available on Metacast

Business Case Studies #6: Excel Dictionary

Morning Brew has a new creator in its family. I break down why we decided to acqui-hire Excel Dictionary and the business opportunities behind the decision. Check out full episode transcripts 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

Apr 01, 20229 minEp 340Transcript available on Metacast

Business Case Studies #5: The $12 Billion Email Giant (Classic)

Mailchimp sold for $12 billion to Intuit, the small business powerhouse that owns Quickbooks, Turbotax, Credit Karma, and Mint. This deal is the largest ever acquisition of a privately-held bootstrapped business. In this classic episode, I walk you through the history of the company and lessons we can all learn from its meteoric rise. Check out full episode transcripts at https://foundersjournal.morningbrew.com to learn more, and if you have any ideas for our show, email me at alex@morningbrew.c...

Apr 01, 202222 minTranscript available on Metacast