A Roadmap to Success – Passion, Dedication, Innovation, and the Power of Influencers

In this episode

Brian Lee is a rock-star serial entrepreneur and incredibly successful venture capitalist. He is also a great philanthropist dedicated to leaving and impact and giving back to the community.

He is a co-founder and ex-CEO of LegalZoom, a co-founder and ex-CEO of ShoeDazzle, a co-founder and ex-CEO of the Art of Sport, co-founder and current CEO of Arena Club, and co-founder of the incredibly successful venture capital firm, BAM ventures.

Brian Lee is also an amazing person, dear friend, and a mentor and I am very grateful for having him on In Search of Excellence!

(01:04) – Working with Celebrities (Kobe Bryant and Kim Kardashian)

Learning about the power of influencers

(08:45) – The Importance of Passion

Arena club: Passion not only about the mission, but also the service
The idea was to digitize the physical and build a community

(14:43) – The Entrepreneurial Desire to Fix What is Broken

Entrepreneurs are not happy with the status quo – change them
Good preparation is extremely important to be successful (sometimes it doesn’t work, but that’s ok)

(17:40) – Extreme Preparation at LegalZoom

(54:15) – Advice to Students Who Want to Pursue Venture Capital

Today we have all kinds of venture capital
Use a unique approach if you do not have industry contacts (go to events and meet people, go to LinkedIn, find mutual contacts)
Raising capital for LegalZoom (persistence is the key, you are literally begging for money) – you have to be that annoying person

(29:06) – What’s the Secret of Work-Life Balance?

Working around 100 hours a week, no social life, things are different now
Tip for organizing emails

(34:20) – The Most Important Elements of Success

Work and work ethic, being empathetic and understanding people, having a good support network
Everyone has a different path, and every company culture is different

(39:43) – Philanthropy and Giving Back to the Community