E1072 Ask Jason: Growing as a leader, consumer SaaS pricing tips, bull markets post-COVID & more

TL;DR

Ask Jason E1072 explains why Uber can remain a high-growth stock under hired management, how consumer services can use accessible subscription pricing, and how founders can become stronger leaders. Jason discusses pricing around $5 per month or $60 per year, evaluates remote-team management, and identifies post-COVID opportunities in telemedicine and conferencing software. Read on for direct answers about growth, leadership, pricing, hiring, and remote work.

Transcript

okay it's Jason I'm here at home working from home during the coronavirus and we've got a lot of amazing questions today I just want to start out the podcast by saying we're thinking about the protests and justice here in America it's obviously heartbreaking to see what we've seen and it's also inspiring to see us maybe coming to some realization t... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Remote work presents opportunities for companies to hire talent from outside their immediate location, potentially lowering costs and increasing diversity.
• 🥺 The acceleration of remote work may lead to a shift in the real estate market, as people seek to move away from congested cities.
• 💥 Telemedicine and remote conferencing software are booming industries that showcase the potential of remote work.
• 🥺 The move to remote work may increase efficiency and profitability for companies, leading to monetary velocity and economic growth.
• 🏃 Hybrid models that combine in-person and remote work are likely to become more common in the future.
• 😤 The success of remote work relies on effective management and clear communication between team members.
• 😤 Software applications such as Slack, Notion, and Zoom are integral to the success of remote teams.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is Uber still a high-growth company?

Jason considers Uber a high-growth stock that could outpace companies such as Disney or Netflix. He remains bullish and says he still holds a large position, while cautioning that hired management may produce a different pace of growth and level of boldness than founder-led leadership.

Q: How does hired management affect Uber's growth?

Jason argues that a hired manager must answer to a board and secure support for unusually aggressive decisions. A founder with greater authority can act more boldly, so Uber's management structure may limit its speed without preventing the company from growing.

Q: Why might Uber's less aggressive management approach be useful?

Jason says the company shifted from a wartime culture of fighting to exist in individual markets toward reconciliation. He suggests a less aggressive approach may help Uber avoid angering people and focus on markets where it can rank first or second.

Q: What is a practical pricing strategy for a consumer service?

The episode recommends accessible subscription pricing, using $5 per month or $60 per year as an example. The business should also monitor the value customers receive and communicate updates and new features to help reduce churn.

Q: How should a creative studio reach startups beyond its VC network?

The studio should offer resources and partnerships that extend beyond a traditional accelerator program. It should evaluate applicants by their ability to execute, rather than selecting teams that only present ideas.

Q: How has Jason Calacanis changed as a leader?

Jason describes his earlier leadership style as demanding and centered on high standards. Over time, he became more selective about hiring motivated, resourceful people, which he says produced a more efficient and successful team.

Q: How should a founder manage a remote team effectively?

Founders should establish clear expectations and communication channels through tools such as Slack. Periodic check-ins and progress monitoring matter, but managers should avoid micromanaging and trust the team to deliver results.

Q: What opportunities can remote work create for startups?

Remote work can let companies hire talent outside their immediate location, potentially lowering costs and increasing diversity. The episode identifies telemedicine and remote conferencing software as booming areas and suggests hybrid arrangements combining remote and in-person work are likely to become more common.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The podcast discusses the current state of affairs in America, including the protests and need for rethinking policing.

• Questions are answered regarding Uber's growth prospects, the pricing for consumer businesses, and strengths and weaknesses of leaders.

• Key insights include the impact of remote work on hiring and talent acquisition, the potential for innovation in various industries, and the importance of effective leadership.