Tristan Walker Talks Walker & Co., Life-Affirming Books, and What He Misses Most During a Pandemic

Transcript

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Summary

In this video conversation, Tristan Walker, the founder of Walker & Company, discusses how businesses are building resiliency during the current situation. He talks about personal coping strategies, the impact of the pandemic on his business, and the lessons he has learned. Tristan also answers questions about productivity, the future of his business, and the books that have influenced him both personally and professionally.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is Tristan coping personally during this time?

Tristan expresses gratitude for having a healthy family and a safe team. He mentions that spending time with his family brings him joy and he is grateful for the opportunity during this crisis.

Q: How has the situation affected the business of Walker & Company?

Tristan explains that they shifted to remote work early on to ensure the safety of their team. They have also seen an increase in online orders as people adapt to buying products online instead of going to stores. Overall, the business has not been heavily impacted thus far.

Q: How does Tristan keep morale up within his team?

Tristan emphasizes the importance of respecting everyone's schedules and encouraging transparency. They have channels for team members to share hobbies and activities they are doing at home. By respecting each other's time and sharing positive moments, the team is able to maintain morale.

Q: How does Tristan reassure employees about their job prospects and economic situation?

Tristan acknowledges the fortunate position Walker & Company is in as a partnership with Procter & Gamble. He reminds employees that resilience is important in business and encourages them to be prepared for situations like this. He emphasizes the temporary nature of the crisis and the importance of focusing on long-term goals.

Q: How has the pandemic changed the business landscape and how will it affect Walker & Company?

Tristan believes that everything is going to change and he expects the business landscape to be impacted in interesting ways. He emphasizes the need for empathy and the importance of adapting to new norms of human interaction. He sees this as an opportunity for innovation and improving the connection with customers.

Q: What advice does Tristan have for someone starting a business during this time?

Tristan advises prospective entrepreneurs to know their why and ensure that they are uniquely positioned to do what they want to do. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy and happiness in the work and persisting through challenges. He also recommends being prepared for various situations and being mindful of cash preservation.

Q: How does Tristan stay productive during this time?

Tristan shares a productivity exercise he learned in high school, where you block out your schedule to determine how much free time you have. He emphasizes the need to prioritize self-care and take time for personal hobbies and reflection. He also mentions the importance of being transparent with teammates about schedules and offering support to each other.

Q: Which book influenced Tristan's approach to business?

Tristan recommends "High Output Management" by Andy Grove. The book taught him about balancing quantitative and qualitative metrics in assessing people and output. It shaped his thinking on performance evaluation and the importance of incorporating both aspects.

Q: What book has influenced Tristan's personal life?

Tristan mentions "Race Against the Machine" by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee. The book discusses the increasing gap between the rich and poor and the need for everyone to participate in the new innovation economy. It has influenced Tristan's perspective on diversity, technology, and the importance of creating businesses that have a positive impact.

Q: What changes does Tristan want to make now to ensure business resilience in the future?

Tristan believes that consistency is key and wants to ensure that he remains consistent in his judgment, courage, and loyalty to his team. He wants to make decisions in line with his values and be a leader that his team can count on during future challenges.

Takeaways

Tristan Walker emphasizes the importance of empathy, gratitude, and consistency during challenging times. He encourages entrepreneurs to know their why and find joy in their work. He highlights the opportunity for innovation and improved human connection in the changing business landscape. Tristan finds inspiration in books that teach balance between quantitative and qualitative metrics and address social and economic issues. He aims to be a leader who is consistent and values-driven, both personally and in his business.