REWORK

Rapid Fire with Jason & David

Mar 6, 2024

Get ready for a lively chat with the co-founders of 37signals! They share how iconic books like 'Maverick' and 'Blue Ocean Strategy' shaped their unconventional journey. Jason dishes on essential insights from Jeff Bezos about smart investments, while David talks about his quest for personal meaning in creativity. They also discuss productivity habits that enhance focus and recall the impact of everyday inspirations. Plus, there's an exciting glimpse into their future projects fueled by unresolved frustrations in the tech world!

15:12

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Quick takeaways

Maverick by Ricardo Semler empowered Jason and David to embrace unconventional business strategies, while Blue Ocean Strategy emphasized the importance of creating unique products in uncontested market spaces.

Jeff Bezos' advice on investing in timeless elements inspired David to prioritize long-term foundational aspects of their business, like enhancing their web platform and maintaining brand credibility.

Deep dives

Influential Book Recommendations: Maverick and Blue Ocean Strategy

Jason and David discussed the books that have influenced their business decisions. Maverick by Ricardo Semler gave them the confidence to chart their own path in business, inspiring them to see unconventional approaches in a traditional setting. Blue Ocean Strategy, another book recommendation, highlighted the importance of creating unique products in uncontested market spaces, emphasizing building something different to avoid direct competition.

Permission to do things differently

00:49

The Quest for Meaning in Business

01:30

Intro

3min

Lessons from the Journey of Entrepreneurship

2min

Mastering Productivity Through Personal Habits

2min

Finding Meaning Through Creativity

7min

Anticipation for Change and New Beginnings

2min

Kimberly is switching things up this week and taking a more casual approach with the co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, asking them a series of rapid fire questions. Jason, for example, reveals the book that granted them permission to forge their unique path, while David shares the profound advice from Jeff Bezos about investing in things that don't change. The two of them also open up about their business journey, the meaning behind their work, and even hint toward upcoming projects. Get ready for a candid and insightful peek into the minds of Jason and David.

Check out the full video episode on YouTube

Key Takeaways:

[0:27] - How Ricardo Semler's Maverick empowered Jason
[0:53] - David also credits Blue Ocean Strategy
[1:25] - Best piece of advice?
[4:39] - Productive habits?
[6:20] - Most meaningful part of David’s and Jason’s jobs?
[9:32] - Discussing inspirations like nature and architecture
[11:02] - First principles, tech exploration, and aesthetics inspire David.
[13:16] - David is embarking on a grand adventure fueled by unresolved anger.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X.

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

Maverick

Blue Ocean Strategy

Books by 37signals