Don Faul: Platoon Leader → Silicon Valley Executive → CrossFit CEO

In this episode, Don Faul, the CEO of CrossFit, shares his remarkable career journey, emphasizing the key lessons in leadership and negotiation he learned along the way. Starting his career as a Marine platoon commander, Don transitioned to Silicon Valley, working at Google, Facebook, and Pinterest during their early and hyper-growth phases before leading CrossFit. The discussion covers his leadership approach, negotiation tactics, and the strategies that helped transform CrossFit into a global fitness powerhouse.

Whether you're interested in the dynamics of leadership, the intricacies of negotiation, or the evolution of a fitness brand, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to learn about the negotiation principles Don applied both internally and externally and the importance of understanding and aligning with people's motivations.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Guest Don Faul

01:04 Don Faul's Career Journey

02:38 The CrossFit Experience

08:39 Challenges and Changes at CrossFit

19:56 Management and Innovation at CrossFit

27:20 Reflections on Leadership and Negotiation

28:05 Reflecting on Negotiation Lessons from the Marines

28:30 Managing Emotions in High-Stress Situations

29:52 The Importance of Taking a Step Back

30:29 Early Career Decisions and Learning from Mistakes

31:22 Navigating Free Speech Challenges at Facebook

32:15 Internal Negotiations and Policy Conflicts

41:23 Lessons from Pinterest: Scaling and Structuring

46:47 Overcoming Challenges in Equity Compensation

52:31 Negotiating with Big Brands as a Small Company

56:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections