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FoundersOctober 16, 2018

#42 One From Many: VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization

About This Episode
What I learned from reading One From Many: VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization by Dee Hock --- Walking away at the pinnacle of success was the hardest thing I have ever done (0:01) Through the years, I have greatly feared and sought to keep at bay the four beasts that inevitably devour their keeper – Ego, Envy, Avarice, and Ambition. In 1984, I severed all connections with business for a life of isolation and anonymity, convinced I was making a great bargain by trading money for time, position for liberty, and ego for contentment – that the beasts were securely caged. –Dee Hock (4:14) Visa was little more than a set of unorthodox convictions about organization slowly growing in the mind of a young corporate rebel (9:03) Dee's first jobs (21:44) Learning how mechanistic, Industrial Age organizations really function (28:17) Useful questions to ask in your organization (34:30) A failure at 36 years old (38:33) The environment from which Visa emerged (46:41) Healthy vs Unhealthy Organizations (55:19) Focus on how your product or company "ought to be" and nothing else. (57:30) I had held fast to the notion that until someone has repeatedly said "no!" and adamantly refuses another word on the subject, they are in the process of saying "yes" and don't know it yet. –Dee Hock (1:03:55) His biggest regret: The fight against duality (monopoly) (1:04:35) How Dee Hock dealt with stress (1:07:00) His biggest regret: The fight against duality (monopoly) continued (1:09:52) Dee's surprising conclusion about his work (1:16:50) ---- Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ---- “I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
Book Mentions
4 book mentions in this episode.
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Books Mentioned

Visa and the Rise of Chaotic Organization cover

The speaker introduces the book 'Visa and the Rise of Chaotic Organization' by Visa's founder, Dee Hawk, discussing its insights into the business world and the evolution of Visa.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: founding Visa and departure
For: Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking deeper meaning in success
Key quote: Through the years, I have greatly feared and sought to keep at bay the four beasts that inevitably devour their keeper.
The host discusses Dee Hawk's journey of founding Visa and his subsequent decision to leave the corporate world for a life of isolation. This transition is framed as a profound personal choice, reflecting on the deeper meaning of success beyond financial achievements.
ASIN: N/A
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Autobiography of a Restless Mind cover

The speaker mentions 'Autobiography of a Restless Mind' by Dee Hawk, indicating it is a book of aphorisms reflecting on the human condition.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: founder of Visa
For: Entrepreneurs and leaders interested in personal development
Key quote: Through the years, I have greatly feared and sought to keep at bay the four beasts that inevitably devour their keeper.
The host mentions 'Autobiography of a Restless Mind' to explore the life and thoughts of D. Hawk, the founder of Visa. Hawk's reflections on isolation and the human condition provide profound insights into leadership and personal growth.
ASIN: 1475966555
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Complexity cover

The speaker references a book called 'Complexity' that influences Dee Hawk's ideas on organization and nature.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: influence of Complexity book
For: Individuals interested in organizational design and complexity theory.
Key quote: They speculate that there's something about the nature of complex connectivity that allows spontaneous order to arise.
The host discusses how the book 'Complexity' influenced the design of Visa and the author's understanding of chaotic organizations. The book raises important questions about the nature of institutions and their ability to manage affairs, which resonates with the author's experiences and insights.
ASIN: B083YVF58B
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The Guide to the Good Life, The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy cover

The speaker discusses insights from 'The Guide to the Good Life, The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy', explaining its teachings on living in the present and managing desires.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
Trigger: lessons from early life
For: goal-oriented individuals seeking happiness
Key quote: you should live your life always doing the best possible job you can do.
The host mentions 'The Guide to the Good Life, The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy' to illustrate the importance of living in the present and doing one's best without being burdened by future desires. This book helped the host understand that happiness can be found by focusing on current actions rather than future expectations.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.