Navigating geopolitics, startup lawyers, and the parallels between the 1920s and 2020s :: with Larry Little

In this episode of Ventures, my father (Larry Little, https://www.kitsapsun.com/opinion/columnists/) and I discuss entrepreneurship through the historical lens of the past 100 years. We talk about the arc of history for him personally and his family, and for the global political and economic situation at large. We cover how to find a great startup lawyer, advice for entrepreneurs, thoughts about navigating political polarization, and hope in entrepreneurs - in general - to help bring about a better world.

Visit https://satchel.works/@wclittle/ventures-episode-50 for detailed notes and links to resources (videos, articles, etc…) mentioned. 

You can watch this episode via video here.

In this episode we cover the following:

1:17 - Background. USA in 1929, Larry’s grandfather, family history, parents, journey through high school, college, marriage, law school, family, army, work as an attorney, business ventures, traveling with kids, and soccer coaching.  

24:55 - What’s Larry’s overall reflections on economics, geopolitics, and the arc of history between 1929 and now. // Book: Candles for the Boardroom (which is the antidote to Art of the Deal). Integrity. Pay attention to regulators. Parallels between 1920s and 2020s. Watch out for China. Plus, an important F. Scott Fitzgerald quote: “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless yet be determined to make them otherwise.”

35:20 - Coming back to the parallels between the 1920s and 2020s, what’s similar? What’s different? 

40:30 - What advice does Larry have for the entrepreneurs listening in?  (Friends and community first is key)

46:06 - Founders: be careful with deferred payment deals with legal teams.

48:00 - What are tips for founders looking to find an attorney for their business?

52:37 - Potential conflict of interest when having lawyers own part of your company.

54:30 - Thoughts and reflections about a polarized country. Is there hope for the USA?

1:00:25 - What is Larry working on now? What is he thinking about and paying attention to?

1:04:13 - What should entrepreneurs and the tech community be thinking about regarding China?

1:10:52 - Any final thoughts or reflections to the audience? Entrepreneurs should be congratulated. They are the new elite of the country….the effective citizens that are going to be the core of the future.

1:13:33 - Where can people follow Larry’s work? Check out Larry’s column pieces at https://www.kitsapsun.com/opinion/columnists/