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Wisdom From The Top with Guy Raz
Conviction, But Not Certainty: Autodesk's Carl Bass
Oct 16, 2024
Carl Bass, former CEO of Autodesk, shares his unconventional leadership journey through turbulent times, including the 2008 financial crisis. He reflects on balancing bold decisions with uncertainty, revealing how he even risked his own money on a new business model. The conversation delves into his transition from dropout to tech entrepreneur, and the strain of leading during crises with ethical dilemmas. Bass's strategic shift to a subscription model, amidst initial backlash, highlights the importance of innovation and conviction in achieving long-term success.
01:06:52
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Quick takeaways
- Carl Bass's unconventional leadership journey at Autodesk showcases the significance of resilience and adaptability during challenging corporate landscapes.
- His commitment to ethical leadership and transparency during crises, particularly regarding the backdated stock options issue, reinforced trust among employees.
Deep dives
Carl Bass: From Reluctant Leader to CEO
Carl Bass's journey to leadership began unexpectedly. Despite starting as a drop-out teenager who explored various trades, including carpentry and whitewater rafting, he found his way to Autodesk after his startup was acquired. Initially struggling to fit into a large corporate environment, he faced significant challenges that included being let go from Autodesk shortly after his arrival. This experience taught him valuable lessons about navigating the corporate landscape and resilience, ultimately leading to his rehire and eventual rise to CEO during tumultuous times.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode