Sparks: Co-Founder of AOL Steve Case Shares How He Makes Decisions & Executes On Ideas
Jan 19, 2024
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Steve Case, Co-Founder of AOL, shares the challenges of launching America Online in the 80s. He discusses the belief in the internet's potential and Revolution's role in funding and investing in future companies. The podcast also explores finding fulfillment in entrepreneurship, the importance of exploring outside one's comfort zone, executing ideas and building partnerships, and criteria for investing in startups.
Steve Case believed in the potential of the internet to change the world and took the risk of launching AOL before it became widely known, paving the way for the tech industry and its positive impact on communities.
Case emphasizes the importance of passion and treating work as more than just a business, as it drives him to put in the time and effort to make things successful and encourages entrepreneurship through partnerships and staying grounded.
Deep dives
Creating AOL and its Impact
Steve Case, the creator of America Online (AOL), reflects on how he started AOL back in 1985 and the impact it had on the world. Despite the early struggles, Case believed that the internet would be a transformative medium. He discusses the surprise of how the internet was embraced during the pandemic and emphasizes the importance of having a big idea that inspires and motivates. Case highlights the positive impact that AOL had not only on the tech industry but also on the communities where the company operated.
A Day in the Life of Steve Case
Case talks about his typical workday, highlighting his strong work ethic and intentionality in finding balance. He discusses his early start in the morning, traveling extensively to different cities, and his focus on regional entrepreneurship. Case emphasizes the significance of being passionate and treating work as more than just a business, stating that it drives him to put in the time and effort to make things successful.
Entrepreneurship, Partnerships, and Staying Grounded
Case delves into entrepreneurship and the importance of partnerships. He shares inspiring stories about entrepreneurs who turned their personal experiences into successful businesses. Case highlights the role of partnerships in scaling businesses and creating positive impacts in communities. He also discusses the importance of staying grounded, such as through travel and connecting with people and ideas outside of the office.
Before Netflix, Facebook or Google even existed, a small group of entrepreneurs took a huge risk launching what would become the first major internet service. In today’s Leadership Spark, Steve Case, Co-Founder of AOL and CEO of Revolution LLC, shares his journey of what it took to get America Online off the ground before people even heard of the Internet. While most people would think investing in internet companies in the 80’s was CRAZY RISKY, Steve had a vision that this new technology could change the world if they could just get it into people’s hands. In this interview, he shares never-before-told stories of the challenges they faced connecting users at dial-up speeds and convincing skeptical investors to back their idea. Steve also touches on how Revolution now does its part in funding and investing in companies of the future.
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