Join Stan as he dives deep into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Sami Inkinen in this episode of All Things Negotiation. A two-time successful entrepreneur, Inkinen co-founded Trulia, an online real estate marketplace, and Virta Health, a revolutionary company aimed at reversing type 2 diabetes. Throughout the conversation, Inkinen shares insights on grit, risk-taking, and authenticity in the business world. Discover the highs and lows of startup life, the importance of burn-the-lifeboats mentality, and invaluable lessons on negotiation and long-term relationships from a leader whose ventures are valued at multiple billions of dollars. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a business veteran, Inkinen's stories of overcoming obstacles, staying focused, and balancing personal life are bound to inspire and inform.

00:00 The Harsh Reality of Entrepreneurship

00:25 Introducing Sami Inkinen: A Rare Breed of Entrepreneur

01:08 Sami's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Journey

02:07 Grit and Achievements: From Triathlons to Rowing Across the Pacific

04:17 The Birth and Growth of Trulia

09:38 Overcoming Challenges at Trulia

12:34 Transition to Virta Health: A New Mission

15:09 Virta Health's Approach to Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

19:34 Challenges in the Healthcare Industry

24:00 The Power of Probabilistic Results

24:43 Taking Risks and Innovating in Healthcare

27:13 Burning the Lifeboats: A Philosophy for Entrepreneurs

35:44 Balancing Multiple Identities

38:52 The Importance of Authenticity and Vulnerability

44:11 Advice for Young Founders on Negotiation

Host Stan Christensen has spent his career working as a professional negotiator in a variety of arenas. He has also taught a popular course on negotiation at Stanford University for over twenty years.

Sami Inkinen: The Triathlon Champion Who Built 2 Multi-Billion Dollar Companies