Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy John Chambers - Pattern Matching, Playbooks, and Winning Product Categories - [Founder’s Field Guide, EP.6]
Nov 5, 2020
In this insightful conversation, John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco known for scaling the company from $70 million to $40 billion, shares his business wisdom. He discusses the invaluable lessons learned from GE's Jack Welch and reveals strategies behind successful acquisitions—emphasizing pattern recognition and structured playbooks. John reflects on navigating adversities during the dot-com bust and the 2008 recession, highlighting the importance of resilience. His thoughts on customer engagement and the evolving workforce in a digital age offer valuable perspectives for leaders and investors.
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Near-Death Experience
- Jack Welch told John Chambers that he needed a near-death experience to become a great leader.
- Chambers experienced this during the dot-com bust, which he called the hardest year of his career.
Navigating Downturns
- Focus on what you can control during challenging times, like navigating a recession.
- Prepare for downturns by analyzing customer behavior and adjusting expenses accordingly.
Rapids Rescue
- At age six, Chambers almost drowned in rapids while fishing with his father.
- This experience taught him to focus on what he could control during crises and avoid panicking.