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The Pomp Podcast

#426: Ryan Denehy on How To Be A Startup CEO

Nov 10, 2020
Ryan Denehy, a three-time entrepreneur and the innovative CEO of Electric, shares his hard-won insights on what it takes to lead a startup successfully. He discusses the three key roles of a CEO and emphasizes the importance of effective hiring and team dynamics. Denehy also highlights the power of vulnerability in leadership, explaining how it can foster stronger connections with teams. Additionally, he touches on the complexities of addressing social issues while managing operations, making a case for inclusivity in company culture.
49:07

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ryan Denehy highlights the three essential roles of a CEO: recruiting talent, effective storytelling, and self-awareness to lead successfully.
  • He emphasizes the importance of transparent communication with the board of directors, viewing them as allies rather than adversaries for better collaboration.

Deep dives

The Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur

Ryan Dennehy shares his journey as a three-time entrepreneur, detailing his experiences with his first startup, an online ad network named Banquet, which was acquired by USA Today Sports. He later founded Swarm, a retail analytics platform, which also ended with a successful acquisition by Groupon. Finally, he founded Electric, a managed IT support company that innovates IT management by offering subscription-based solutions. Throughout his journey, he emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and adapting, having encountered numerous challenges and setbacks at every stage.

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