Ep. 42: ServiceNow Impact, GM Aaron Fulkerson on The Power of Pathological Optimism and Strong Values

In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Aaron Fulkerson, a technology entrepreneur, founder of MindTouch, and a General Manager for ServiceNow. Aaron talks about his untraditional path into technology, why he thinks you should run a company like a sports team instead of a family, why generalists are less likely to be displaced by technology, and so much more!

 

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SHOW NOTES

  • Aaron's untraditional background and why he started his career later than most [1:12]

  • The lessons Aaron learned from solo travel in the woods [3:15]

  • How domestic travel led Aaron to philanthropy [4:45]

  • How Aaron created a career in technology [9:16]

  • Understanding open source projects and how it can integrate within a business model [12:01]

  • How you can apply open source concepts within your own business [14:26]

  • The implications of creating a technology company without venture capital [16:55]

  • How Aaron navigated being a first time CEO when founding MindTouch [18:56]

  • How Aaron built a strong value system at his first company [22:37]

  • How you execute on a vision and how it differs between startups and large companies [26:03]

  • How middle managers and below can successfully execute on a vision [31:15]

  • Why Aaron feels he’s been successful in sales [34:03]

  • Why you need to always Start with Why [36:09]

  • Why leadership requires pathological optimism [39:27]

  • The value of being a specialist vs a generalist [40:06]

    Links

  • Aaron Fulkerson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfulkerson/

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For additional leadership tips, be sure to check out Darren's book - The Savage Leader: 13 Principles to Become a Better Leader from the Inside Out

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Ep. 43: Sports Agent and Best Selling Author Leigh Steinberg on Why You Need to Practice Being More Present

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Ep. 41: Former Breg CEO Brad Lee on Why You Should Lean Into Your Fears