Gokul RajaramBreak Rules, Not LawsThe other day, I was chatting about product development with the Vice Chairman of a large bank. At one point, after I had proposed a few…Mar 19, 20221Mar 19, 20221
Gokul RajaramPlaying offense during a downturnMost companies have executed on defensive plans to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Playing defense is about two primary things:May 5, 20204May 5, 20204
Gokul RajaramValues-based FiringThe other day, I was meeting with the CEO at a company I advise. Our goal for the meeting was to review his executive team to identify…Aug 20, 20199Aug 20, 20199
Gokul RajaramDeath of a startupYesterday, one of my portfolio companies died.Jun 25, 201912Jun 25, 201912
Gokul RajaraminThinkGrowth.orgThe CEO’s most important operational responsibilityCEOs wear several hats — strategic, operational, financial. In One On One, Ben Horowitz makes a profound statement:Aug 6, 2018Aug 6, 2018
Gokul RajaramThe CEO’s most important operational responsibilityCEOs wear several hats — strategic, operational, financial. In One On One, Ben Horowitz makes a profound statement: “Perhaps the CEO’s most…Jul 25, 20181Jul 25, 20181
Gokul RajaramHow to choose the right company for youA common question I get from students or folks early in their career (or sometimes, even mid-career) is some variant of: “How should I…May 4, 20183May 4, 20183
Gokul RajaramSelf-serve first: the overlooked but essential paradigm underlying great software companies“My biggest regret is that our first customer was $1M ACV*,” my friend lamented over coffee the other day. “I wish I could take it back.”Apr 19, 201819Apr 19, 201819
Gokul RajaramThe second most important metric for every companyWhat’s the second most important metric for every company?Aug 14, 201713Aug 14, 201713