Building a Software Company and Saying 'No' to Millions with Jason Fried.
May 31, 2024
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Jason Fried, Founder and CEO of 37signals, shares his unconventional approach to building a successful software company with integrity. He discusses saying 'no' to opportunities for the sake of independence and the philosophical challenges of wealth. Fried delves into how parenting influences his work-life balance and inspires product innovation, like the Hey Calendar. He emphasizes valuing meaningful experiences over material possessions and highlights his appreciation for unique passions, including drumming and vintage cars.
Creating high-quality software as a reaction to mediocrity and developing innovative products like Hey Calendar.
Balancing personal wealth reflections, engaging in legacy-building activities, and contemplating the impact of accumulating more wealth.
Exploring the impact of extreme wealth on social responsibility, finding happiness beyond material possessions through meaningful experiences and human connections.
Deep dives
Motivation Through Discontent with Mediocrity
The speaker reveals a core motivator in his professional decisions - a strong reaction to mediocrity. Upon discovering excessive spending on inefficient software in a community board budget, he became incensed by the acceptance of such subpar standards, leading to a commitment to developing better alternatives with reasonable pricing structures. This drive stems from a deep-seated aversion to mediocrity and a desire to provide high-quality solutions at fair prices.
Balancing Innovation with Simplification
Despite focusing on creating and enhancing existing products like Basecamp and Hey, the speaker emphasizes the importance of innovation. The company expresses a passion for making new products, launching Hay Calendar as a response to identified flaws in traditional digital calendars. Simplicity remains a key principle in their approach, ensuring that the new products solve real problems and introduce novel features while adhering to a minimalist and user-friendly design ethos.
Navigating Personal Wealth and Meaning
The speaker discusses his approach to personal wealth and the potential challenges associated with financial success. While acknowledging having more than enough financial resources, he grapples with the purpose and impact of accumulating additional wealth. Engaging in activities like restoring old houses not only brings personal satisfaction but serves as a means of leaving a positive legacy. Contemplating the implications of substantial financial windfalls, including the dilemma of managing significant wealth and its potential burdens, highlights the complexity of navigating personal wealth and meaning.
Impact of Wealth on Social Responsibility
The podcast delves into the impact of extreme wealth on individuals' sense of social responsibility. It highlights a wealthy philanthropist deeply affected by a school shooting due to their lobbying for gun control. The episode discusses how having significant liquid capital and a focus on doing good can shift the weight of global problems onto such individuals, leading to heightened stress and a sense of obligation to make a substantial impact.
Fulfillment Beyond Material Possessions
The episode explores the concept of finding happiness beyond material possessions. It discusses how experiences like renovating a old lake house and creating spaces for people to gather can bring more joy than collecting material objects like cars or watches. The conversation reflects on the importance of investing in meaningful experiences and spaces over fleeting material possessions, emphasizing the lasting impact of spaces and human connections on happiness.
In world where we’re constantly encouraged to want more, how do you find the courage to say no?
Founder and CEO of 37signals (makers of Basecamp, HEY, and ONCE) Jason Fried joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering software products and services, saying ‘no’ to millions, learning drums, and more. Jason shares his unique perspectives on building and running a hugely successful software company while staying true to his values.
Join us as we explore Jason's story and learn about:
The motivation behind Basecamp's recent expansion into new products like email and calendar apps
How Jason and his co-founder have structured the company to maximize independence and avoid things they don't want to do
Thoughts on wealth and what he plans to do with the financial success of Basecamp
Current interests and passions outside of work, and what he would do if he couldn't run Basecamp anymore
Books and favorite products
Whether you're a tech entrepreneur or simply fascinated by the career of one of the industry's most unconventional and opinionated leaders, Jason's experiences and philosophies are sure to challenge and inspire you. Tune in for an honest and spontaneous discussion touching on the deepest questions in life and business.
00:00 - Introduction 2:20 - Inspiration Behind Hey Calendar 3:47 - Fantastical vs. Hey Calendar 4:55 - What Keeps Jason Going 7:24 - Why Hey Calendar Caps at $99 9:09 - Jason’s Commitment to Independence 12:59 - Limits to Improvement and Acceptance 15:56 - Jason’s Plans on Growing His Business 19:12 - Learning to Trust CEO Hires 20:59 - Why Jason Decided to Build New Products After 10 Years 24:21 - Changing Your Mind & Balancing Growth and Maintenance 28:06 - Keeping Businesses Simple 32:20 - What Jason Does With His Money 36:28 - The Courage to Close A Business 39:42 - The Burden of Wealth: Philanthropy and Responsibility 42:43 - Finding Joy in Spaces and Experiences 45:11 - Alternate Career Paths Jason is Drawn To 48:01 - The Future and Existential Worries 52:56 - Growing Old, the Younger Generation, and Life 59:27 - Things Jason Has Been Loving Lately 62:49 - Embracing Fiction: The Power of Storytelling
