Steve Case, the co-founder of AOL and CEO of Revolution, shares insights on the perseverance needed for entrepreneurial success. He reflects on AOL's slow but impactful journey to popularize the internet, emphasizing that success often takes longer than expected. Case highlights key qualities of successful entrepreneurs, the significant lessons from the AOL-Time Warner merger, and the importance of leadership styles tailored to individual teams. He also shares his belief in the value of connectivity and community in today's world.
01:01:10
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Grit Overcomes Slow Success
Success rarely happens overnight; most companies face a long struggle before breakthrough.
Persistence and grit during discouraging times are crucial for eventual success.
question_answer ANECDOTE
CEO as Community Mayor
Steve Case sent welcome emails to early AOL members himself, building community personally.
This direct engagement emphasized his role as CEO and community "mayor" in AOL's early days.
insights INSIGHT
Backing Entrepreneurs Everywhere
Revolution invests nationwide, focused on entrepreneurs outside traditional tech hubs.
This approach aims to level the playing field by backing talent in overlooked regions.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Published in 1980, 'The Third Wave' is a sequel to Toffler's 'Future Shock' and the second in a trilogy completed with 'Powershift'. The book describes the evolution of human civilization through three waves: the First Wave (Agrarian Society), the Second Wave (Industrial Society), and the Third Wave (Information Society). It explores how these transitions impact various aspects of society, including family, business, economics, and politics. Toffler's work provides a sweeping synthesis of the changes battering the world and offers an optimistic look at new potentials and future possibilities[2][4][5].
When you’re building something new, it’s easy to get discouraged by how long it takes to gain traction. But if anyone knows how to stay in the game, it’s Steve Case.
In this episode, the AOL cofounder and Revolution CEO opens up about the grit, patience, and strategy it took to pioneer the internet—and why most success stories take a lot longer than people think. You’ll hear how he built AOL through years of slow progress, what he looks for in entrepreneurs today, and how that iconic line, “You’ve Got Mail,” came to be.
If you’re feeling stuck or off track, this episode will help you refocus and recharge! You’ll also learn:
Three qualities of successful entrepreneurs
The #1 mindset you need if your business is in growth mode
A powerful leadership lesson from the disappointing AOL-Time Warner merger
Why a one-size-fits-all leadership style might let you down
Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources:
Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
How Leaders Lead with David Novak 
