147. Is Bootstrapping For You? with Liquid & Grit CEO Brett Nowak

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In this episode, host Sophie Vo welcomes Brett Nowak, founder and CEO of Liquid and Grit, a leading product research and consultancy firm specializing in mobile gaming. Brett shares his entrepreneurial journey, leadership philosophies, and insights on building a sustainable, independent business. He discusses his motivations for bootstrapping his company, the importance of autonomy, and how he built a unique company culture by questioning traditional business norms.

What we cover in this episode:

💡Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

* Identify what you want from your business (e.g., financial independence, control, creative freedom).

* Choose a business model that aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.

* Validate your ideas by selling early and iterating based on feedback.

* Avoid traditional constraints—design a business that works for your strengths and lifestyle.

💰 Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital:

* Brett prioritized full ownership and control over his company, choosing not to raise external funding.

* By keeping initial costs low and maintaining a day job, he was able to test and validate his business before going full-time.

📈 The Role of Discipline and Long-Term Vision:

* Running a business successfully requires long-term commitment, persistence, and a willingness to push through discomfort.

* Brett’s structured approach ensured steady growth without external dependencies.

👥 Building a Non-Traditional Work Culture:

* Liquid and Grit operates remotely with minimal meetings and a strong emphasis on autonomy and efficiency.

* The hiring process is unconventional—focusing on skills-based assessments rather than traditional interviews.

* The company structure reduces bureaucracy, allowing employees to focus on delivering high-quality work.

💛 Mental Health and Work-Life Integration:

* Brett emphasizes the importance of balancing business growth with personal well-being.

* Having a psychiatrist for professional and personal guidance has been one of his most impactful decisions.

More Resources:

* Liquid and Grit

* Connect with Brett Novak

* Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (Recommended Book on Entrepreneurship)

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