Show Notes
Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 23 – Michael Gruen, Co-Founder & CSO, DominateX SHOW NOTES: Meet the amazing and insightful Michael Gruen, a prodigy and social influencer who has started companies by breaking the rules, not getting in his own way, and only following what he knows to be true. His questioning of the status quo and not taking anything for granted are just two of the traits this free thinker employs to create a compelling level of success for himself and those he advises. In this episode, discover:
Michael’s career trajectory and his influence on the internet
Why he doesn’t believe anything as it is stated to him
How the link between power and money works
Reasons to not fear polarizing responses
The value in making yourself a scarce asset
What patience, persistence, and providing value create
The flywheel effect
His secret to getting into exclusive rooms
The differences between egotists and narcissists in relation to business
The surprising statement he told Donald Trump in the Oval Office
Advice on how to become powerful
What he sees as a harmful problem in society
The uniquely powerful style of his emails
The number of winners in a good negotiation
The principles of generosity, gratitude, loyalty, and appreciation
His philosophy on removing judgments and receiving feedback
Why knowing your flaws and having no ego are superpowers
GUEST BIO: Michael Gruen is a dynamic and accomplished Gen Z entrepreneur, investor, and media personality who has significantly impacted various industries in his young career. His drive, creativity, and innovative vision have made him a rising star in entrepreneurship and investment. Gruen's journey began at a young age. He enrolled in college at 14 and quickly developed a passion for finance and entrepreneurship. He co-founded Frax, the world's first fractional stablecoin and crypto native consumer price index. The Frax Protocol introduced the concept of a cryptocurrency partially backed by collateral. It stabilized algorithmically to create highly scalable, decentralized money in place of fixed-supply digital assets like BTC. As a co-founder, Gruen played a pivotal role in the development and growth of Frax, which quickly became one of the most popular stablecoins in the world with a peak market cap of $2.9B. He was responsible for developing Frax's vision and strategy and overseeing the company's day-to-day operations. In addition to his work with Frax, Gruen has a proven track record of success in various industries, including finance, sports management, and entertainment media production. He co-founded and served on the board of directors for several successful companies, including Sway House, TalentX Entertainment, TalentX Gaming, Ani Energy, CrossCheck Studios, and Animal Capital, a venture capital fund. His work with these companies has helped him develop a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and business. Gruen has also been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He was the first to secure an overall deal at a major studio for an influencer, Josh Richards, at CrossCheck Studios. He procured a comprehensive agreement for Nickelodeon star Jace Norman at ViacomCBS, working directly with Brian Robbins, now CEO of Paramount. In addition, he has played an integral role in transforming Creator Edge Media into a premier talent management agency for top influencers, helping them build long-term partnerships with some of the world's biggest brands. Leading publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and Variety, have recognized Gruen's impressive achievements. He was named a member of Forbes' 30 Under 30 class of 2022 and has been featured as one of the top 29 up-and-comers changing the world of venture capital, one of the 24 power players transforming the music industry through TikTok, and one of the 19 talent represen
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In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Alex Rodriguez, CEO and Chairman of investment firm Arod Corp, and is known as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and Matt Abrahams, of the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast to co-host this interview. Alex discusses his transition to business and teaching at Stanford. Rodriguez, who co-teaches a class on Strategic Pivoting with Professor Allison Kluger, shares insights into their teaching framework and what he’s learned through teaching. Alex also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and preparation in both his athletic and business endeavors. Alex also touches on handling setbacks, maintaining authenticity, and the value of humility and gratitude in personal development. Alex also shares what he’s learned about effective communication and team-building, and how it can help shape young leaders and athletes. Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM. Episode Quotes: Finding resilience in the face of setbacks 23:07: [Jeffrey Pfeffer] So, what advice, in coming back from setbacks—which is, I think, amazing—how did you find the inner resilience to do this? 23:29: [Alex Rodriguez] This is tough. I mean, everybody handles setbacks their own separate way. I don't care who you are. I mean, I don't care how perfect you are. Name the best CEO—he or she—they've had setbacks, I guarantee it. So, again, I think this is where baseball has really helped me because baseball is the epitome of setbacks. So, I think having the resilience, the confidence, the perseverance from inside to keep trying. I mean, I remember in my darkest hour, I would send 10 emails out—one or two responded—and it was heartbreaking. And part of it was 'cause I was a pariah, and people don't wanna be around me. And Allison works really, really hard with the administration, like, you know, vouching for me. And it's something that I'll never forget. I mean, here I am, in my darkest hour, trying to fight back. And Allison, out of all people—they're probably saying, "There are 750 major league baseball players. This is the one? You got the guy that got suspended for all these years?" And she's like, "Yeah, he's actually a nice guy," and this and that. It's like, "Ah, I'm not sure if I'm buying it." But, I mean, here we are seven years later, and I couldn't be more proud of the partnership. How Alex shapes his communication style with his skills 29:38: I think my style of communication is a blend between sports and business, and a little bit of entertainment and levity. I always think about, what is the number one or two things that I'm trying to deliver, and then I'm trying to go—every good story has a good headline, has a beginning, middle, and end. And then maybe go back and repeat my headline, and if I can say more with less words, the better. What makes a great communicator 28:28: Part of being a great communicator is sticking to your circle of competence—speak with passion, but about something where you have real knowledge, where you have something to actually add. Show Links: Alex Rodriguez | LinkedIn Strategic Pivoting for your Next Chapter MattAbrahams.com Think Fast, Talk Smart Podcast
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