• Episode 37: Full Circle: End of Season 1
    Jul 18 2024

    What if the true measure of success isn't in the achievements, but in the resilience and creativity that we bring to every challenge? Join me, Shawn, as we wrap up the remarkable journey of season one of Full Circle with Shawn. Although we had planned to explore hardware and software, life had other exciting plans as our early commercial startup took center stage. With heartfelt gratitude, I shout out to all our listeners and guests whose insights have fueled this journey. The key takeaway? Embrace resilience as setbacks are merely stepping stones to greater things. Your persistence not only shapes your success but also inspires everyone around you.

    As we eagerly look towards season two, get ready for a deeper dive into the realities of startup life. From revisiting the often harsh "startup pain" to sharing more profound experiences and inspirational stories, there's so much more to uncover and learn together. This pause is merely a prelude to a new chapter filled with richer discussions and deeper thought processes. So, stay tuned and stay inspired. I can't wait to reconnect and continue this incredible journey with all of you. Thank you for being an essential part of Full Circle with Shawn.

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    2 mins
  • Episode 36: Breaking Through Entitlement: Strategies for Personal Growth and Career Transition
    Jul 16 2024
    Ever felt like you deserved the world but it just wasn't giving you what you wanted? That's entitlement knocking at your door, and on Full Circle with Shawn, we're not just answering—it's time for a full-blown interrogation. We're getting to the root of how entitlement can sneak into our lives, obstructing personal growth and sowing discord, and I'm here to guide you through strategies to dismantle this invisible barrier. By the end of our discussion, you'll be equipped with the tools for fostering gratitude, setting realistic goals, and seeking out the kind of feedback that sparks true self-improvement. Plus, we'll unravel the complex threads that distinguish healthy confidence from toxic entitlement with the help of insightful personality assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

    Transitioning careers—especially between the wild world of startups and the structured realm of corporate life—can feel like jumping between planets. But it's not a distress signal; it's a savvy navigation toward alignment with your personal ethos and professional aspirations. In this episode, I'll share my own experiences and insights on how to make these transitions as smooth as possible, whether you're donning many hats in a startup or seeking work-life balance in a corporate gig. We'll also dive into resources like John Townsend's "The Entitlement Cure," which offers a beacon of guidance for maintaining a sense of self-worth without tipping over into entitlement. So tighten your seatbelts; we're on a course to find career fulfillment that resonates with who you are and what you value.

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    20 mins
  • Episode 35: Voices of Greatness: Harnessing History's Wisdom for Personal Mastery and Leadership
    Jul 13 2024
    Embark on an enlightening odyssey through the minds of visionaries who've steered the course of history and modern thought. I'm Shawn, your navigator in this exploration, where we stitch a mosaic of powerful quotations that have shaped notions of success, leadership, and personal evolution. The resilience of Nelson Mandela, the innovative spirit of Steve Jobs, and the wisdom of Aristotle are just a few of the voices that echo throughout our conversation. As we dissect their thoughts, prepare to be inspired to assess your own principles and the paths you tread in life.

    This episode isn't just a retrospective on greatness; it's a masterclass on applying age-old sagacity to the challenges of today and tomorrow. We dissect the essence of passion with Oprah Winfrey's words, scrutinize the art of prioritization with Stephen Covey, and unravel the complexities of emotional intelligence with insights from David Caruso. As Albert Einstein's unquenchable curiosity is exalted, you're invited to rekindle your inquisitive flame to foster a life rich in continual learning. By the end of this episode, these transformative ideas will have equipped you to navigate life's hurdles, enhance your interactions, and lead a more fulfilling existence.

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    8 mins
  • Episode 34: Startup Pain: Decoding Startup Valuations – Navigating Worth, Equity, and Investment Strategy
    Jul 11 2024
    Discover the heartbeat of a startup's financial journey as we unravel the intricate world of valuations, a paramount indicator for anyone involved in the startup ecosystem. I'm your host, Shawn, and Full Circle is your guide to understanding how a startup's worth is more than just a number—it's the key to equity retention, investment negotiations, and strategic decision-making. From seed to Series B and beyond, we navigate each fundraising stage, examine valuation methods, and discuss internal factors that can make or break your company's financial narrative.

    Ever wondered how companies like Airbnb and Zoom achieved their sky-high valuations while others stumbled? We'll dissect the traits that set successful startups apart and the negotiation tactics that can empower you to articulate your company's value proposition convincingly. You'll gain insights into the importance of transparency and credibility in building lasting investor relationships, as well as strategies to avoid overvaluation pitfalls that could harm your startup's future. Join me as we map out the steps to striking that critical balance between pursuing necessary investments and keeping a firm grip on the reins of your company's destiny.

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    19 mins
  • Episode 33: Mastering the Chess Game of Negotiation: Unveiling Timeless Strategies for Winning Deals
    Jul 9 2024

    Unlock the secrets to mastering every negotiation, whether it's landing your dream job or navigating the complex world of international diplomacy. Join me, Shawn, in an eye-opening journey where we dissect the nuanced choreography of negotiation, drawing from the wisdom of history's most celebrated dealmakers. By the end of our time together, you'll grasp the eight pivotal principles that can skyrocket your negotiation prowess, ensuring you stride confidently into any bargaining situation.

    Peel back the layers of strategy and emotion with real-world examples from landmark corporate acquisitions to personal anecdotes that resonate with each of us. We dissect Disney's monumental purchase of Pixar and Verizon's savvy acquisition of Yahoo, distilling the essence of powerful negotiation tactics that clinched these deals. Sharpen your communication skills, fine-tune your emotional intelligence, and learn to read the unspoken cues that can mean the difference between a handshake and a stalemate. Step into my parlor of negotiation, and emerge as the strategist others strive to emulate.

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    23 mins
  • Episode 32: Full Circle: Riddles Recap: Unlocking the Mysteries of Metaphor
    Jul 6 2024

    Prepare to illuminate the enigmas of everyday life as Shawn guides you through a world where riddles reveal the profound. This episode of Full Circle isn't just a casual listen; it's a journey into understanding the metaphorical significance of light as a symbol for leadership, the silent power behind innovation and communication, and the unstoppable force of growth in both nature and our personal lives. By teasing out the deeper meanings of these everyday concepts, you'll find yourself equipped to navigate the complexities that define our existence and fuel our advancements.

    Our Saturday was spent unraveling a tapestry of metaphors, from the Riddle of the Commuter's insight into mentorship to the Riddle of the Modern Explorer's emphasis on emotional intelligence. We examined the role of ethics in innovation with the Riddle of the Urban Gardener and explored how nurturing environments shape education through the Riddle of the Urban Teacher. No guest this time, just pure reflective discovery. Stay tuned for our next encounter where we step into the nuanced dance of negotiation, promising to be as rich in wisdom as the riddles that pave the way to its secrets.

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    12 mins
  • Episode 31: Startup Pain: The Art of the Pitch Deck and Winning Over Investors
    Jul 4 2024

    Ever felt the excitement of holding the golden ticket that could launch your startup into the stratosphere? That's the power of a killer pitch deck, and I'm here, Shawn, to guide you through creating one that'll have investors on the edge of their seats. On Full Circle, we unravel the art behind pitch decks and information memorandums, the twin pillars of startup fundraising. You'll learn how to weave the essence of your business mission into a narrative that resonates, discover the common pitfalls to avoid, and why customizing your approach can make all the difference. From the boardroom to the backroom, this episode is packed with insights, including a deep dive into how companies like Airbnb and Snapchat turned their presentations into industry lore.

    As we navigate the intricacies of investor networks and problem-solving, remember that a 'no' isn't the end—it's an opportunity to grow your community of potential allies. Whether you're grappling with a complex robotics concept or crafting the next big social app, you're not alone. I'll share tales from the trenches and strategies that have seen startups rise from the ashes to the heights of success. So sit back, grab a notebook, and get ready to map out your journey from pitch to powerhouse with Full Circle at your side. And keep your ears perked for an upcoming episode where we'll flex our mental muscles with brain-teasing riddles, sharpening our wits for the entrepreneurial battles ahead.

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    18 mins
  • Episode 30: Full Circle: Empowering Your Mind with the Art of Critical Thinking
    Jul 2 2024

    Ever felt lost in a sea of information, unsure of what to believe or how to make the right decision? Tune in to Full Circle with Shawn, where we unravel the complexities of critical thinking, providing you a compass for navigating life's myriad choices. We're not just talking about the ability to distinguish fact from fiction; it's a deep dive into the very essence of rational, unbiased judgment. From the roots of the Socratic method to the cutting edge of modern educational systems, I'll be your guide, busting myths and equipping you with the precision tools needed to dissect arguments, recognize fallacies, and enhance your decision-making prowess.

    It's a modern-day intellectual toolkit, and you're invited to build yours with us. This journey isn't just theoretical—we're rolling up our sleeves to apply these vital skills to the challenges of the digital world. We'll navigate the daunting terrain of social media engagement with a critical eye and explore resources that transform how you process the world around you. Books like "Thinking Fast and Slow" and "The Demon-Haunted World" are just the beginning. Online platforms, podcasts, and courses await to further hone your skills. So, whether you're a professional seeking an edge, a student eager to learn, or a curious mind striving for clarity in a cluttered world, join me, Shawn, on Full Circle, where we shape sharper minds for a brighter future.

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    25 mins