Dave Hersh: Post-Exit Rebirth: Finding Self, Sovereignty, and Inexhaustible Fuel Sources

May 23, 2024

Dave Hersh, who sold his company through an IPO 13 years ago, shares his journey of self-discovery and fulfillment post-exit. He discusses the challenges of scaling up, dealing with identity crisis, and the long process of reinvention. Hersh emphasizes the importance of inner work, transformation, and finding clarity in navigating the liminal space between old and new self.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Navigating the Post-CEO Transition

01:39 • 10min

Embracing Transformation Through the Hoffman Process

11:12 • 25min

Unearthing a Company's Core

36:08 • 15min

The Evolution of Personal Success

50:58 • 13min

Exploring Generational Spiritual Maturity and Hope for the Future

01:04:03 • 2min

Embracing Inner Growth and Transformative Experiences

01:05:52 • 7min

Dave Hersh. He sold his company through an IPO 13 years ago, then spent several years with the VC firm Andreessen Horowitz.Today, Dave is more fulfilled and productive than ever.He credits a 10-year existential crisis that led to his “deep reprogramming” and “rebirth.”Today he talks to us about finding true self, sovereignty, and inexhaustible fuel sources. Dave Hersh - Website: https://www.davehersh.com/ Reignition - Book by Dave Hersh: https://www.amazon.com/Reignition-Transforming-Startups-Breakout-Winners/dp/1639090347 _____________________________________________________ TIME STAMPS: (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:21) Welcome (00:01:33) Life After Selling the Company (00:02:05) The Founding of Jive (00:04:24) Changing Trends in Digital Communication (00:05:14) The Challenges of Scaling Up (00:06:02) Life After Leaving the Company (00:08:16) Dealing with Identity Crisis (00:09:12) The Hoffman Process (00:10:46) The Art of Accomplishment (00:13:20) The Long Process of Reinvention (00:15:36) The Need for Inner Work and Transformation (00:16:37) Overcoming Entrepreneurial Struggles (00:18:01) Trying to Reconstruct Past Success (00:19:26) Finding Clarity and Direction (00:21:01) The Process of Transforming Identity (00:23:00) The Liminal Space Between Old and New Self. (00:24:43) The Wilderness and Benefits of Being a Ghost in Between Worlds (00:25:20) Transition from Jive to Andreessen Horowitz (00:33:30) The Decision to Leave Venture Capital (00:35:31) Acquiring Businesses and Understanding Their Core (00:38:15) The Art of Identifying and Peeling Away Non-Core Activities (00:42:30) The Transformative Power of Returning to Your Core (00:43:55) Bounce Back Post Acquisitions and Restructures (00:44:12) Experimentation for Growth & Financing (00:45:24) Transforming into Purpose-Driven, Disciplined, and Strong Culture Businesses (00:46:08) Building a business that matters (00:53:00) Personal definition of success (00:54:33) Choosing the right people to surround with (00:57:29) Reimagining the idea of a company (00:58:38) Personal transformation and rebuilding (01:03:28) The trend of the creator economy (01:04:52) Optimism for younger generations (01:05:58) A perfectly fulfilling life (01:06:32) Discussing happiness and joy (01:07:26) Rating personal fulfillment (01:08:33) Advice after selling a company (01:09:16) Importance of inner work (01:09:55) What keeps one up at night (01:10:19) Discussing personal divorce (01:11:33) How one wants to be remembered (01:12:11) Anticipation for upcoming book