Wes Kao

Wes Kao, an entrepreneur and coach known for co-founding Maven and the altMBA with Seth Godin, shares her expert communication strategies. Discover the common mistakes leaders make and her MOO framework to tackle objections effectively. Learn how to master concise communication without losing essence and improve your executive presence. Wes discusses the importance of clear writing in today’s work environment, offering tactical tips for impactful emails and messages, all aimed at enhancing influence and clarity in professional settings.

Wes Kao, co-founder of Maven and an expert in online education, shares her insights on persuasive communication and managing upwards in professional environments. She discusses the importance of focusing on 'how' rather than 'why' for clearer messaging. Wes offers practical strategies for managing up, keeping superiors informed, and enhancing communication dynamics. She also emphasizes prioritization techniques to navigate tasks effectively while sharing personal anecdotes about her unconventional career path in tech and education.

Wes Kao discusses managing up and bridging the gap between managers and reports. The 'Bad Things / Good Things' framework, good communication in the remote era, and the transition to remote work at Maven are explored. Sync vs async communication, the importance of over-communicating, and Wes' approach to reading are also highlighted.

Wes Kao, co-founder of Maven and altMBA, shares her insights from working alongside marketing guru Seth Godin. She discusses the pitfalls of chasing instant success and emphasizes the importance of embracing failure on the journey to mastery. Wes breaks down the key distinctions between strategy and strategic thinking, revealing how they impact effective marketing. Additionally, she highlights the role of high standards and constructive feedback in fostering team performance, stressing that true leadership blends skill mastery with open communication.

In this episode I talk to Wes Kao, co-founder of altMBA. Her latest startup is called Maven, and it's all about cohort-based courses.Wes is fantastic at course design. Before Maven, she did a bunch of amazing things working with a lot of different creators.We talk about the State Change Method, which is something I use to make my presentations much more interesting. We talk about building an audience on Twitter. We also talk about course design, cohort-based courses, and a lot of other fun things.In this episode, you’ll learn:Tips for writing short-form content that boosts engagementA big advantage Twitter gives you over other platformsHow to know if your content is ready to publishWhy cohort-based courses are so lucrativeLinks & Resources (H5)Seth GodinaltMBAGagan BiyaniWes Kao’s Links (H5)MavenWes’ websiteFollow Wes on TwitterWes’ blog post: Course Mechanics Canvas: 12 Levers to Achieve Course-Market FitWes’ blog post: The State Change Method: How to deliver engaging live lectures on Zoom

Wes Kao, the co-founder of Maven and expert in executive communication, shares valuable insights on effectively communicating with leaders. He emphasizes the importance of building credibility and reducing cognitive load in discussions. Kao advocates for celebrating good decision-making processes rather than just outcomes and highlights the need for proactive communication to minimize surprises. With practical strategies for framing conversations and aligning proposals with leaders' priorities, he shows how to make collaboration more effective in the workplace.

Wes Kao, co-founder of Maven and altMBA, shares her insights on vital career skills for data professionals. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication and context when presenting data to various audiences. Wes discusses navigating feedback and fostering a culture of constructive criticism. She highlights 'acting like an owner' and taking responsibility for outcomes in professional growth. The conversation also delves into optimizing meetings, mastering the art of managing upwards, and enhancing judgment and analytical thinking for better decision-making.

Wes Kao (@wes_kao) talks disrupting traditional education, what it's like to raise $25M, how to stay motivated as a founder, why cohorts are the gold standard of online learning, and how to apply the science of love to product-founder fit with Courtland (@csallen) and Channing (@ChanningAllen).

Wes Kao, brand strategist, discusses importance of actionable ideas, advocating for viewpoints, and maintaining uniqueness in creative professions. Learn how to stand out with a 'spiky point of view'. Story of a musician showcases success through rejection.

Wes Kao, co-founder of Maven and former altMBA collaborator with Seth Godin, delves into the world of cohort-based courses (CBCs). She discusses how CBCs blend classroom engagement with online learning, highlighting the importance of validating course ideas before launching them. Wes emphasizes the significance of community in the learning process, as well as the challenges educators face. She also provides insights into effective course design and the balance of pricing versus value, making this conversation a goldmine for aspiring course creators.