A Founder’s Life Podcast
Why do some founders thrive while others burn out?
In this episode of A Founder’s Life, MIT’s Steve Spear reveals the hidden keys to outlier success — and how founders can stay curious, resilient, and fully human in the process.
💡 What you’ll learn in this conversation:
• Why fast learning & problem-solving beats culture or tech
• How to protect your initial spark of curiosity as a founder
• Lessons from Toyota, MIT, and world-class organizations
• The role of humility and nurturing leadership in long-term success
• How to integrate business, health, and family without trade-offs
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)
0:31 – Steve Spear’s journey: MIT & C2 Solve
1:34 – What Japan taught the world about business
3:56 – Applying curiosity & humility to family life
6:01 – Health as energy & presence, not performance
7:14 – Cooking, travel & everyday curiosity
8:44 – Pivotal career moment: balance vs. integration
11:15 – Advice to founders: protect your spark of curiosity
13:01 – Closing: why optimism is contagious
Resources:
- Read excerpts from The High-Velocity Edge: Chapters 1, 4, & 5 and Chapter 11 Healthcare
- Read excerpt from Wiring the Winning Organization.
Order Steve’s book, The High-Velocity Edge here
Order Steve’s book, Wiring the Winning Organization here
| Steven Spear DBA MS MS Principal, See to Solve LLC Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management Senior Fellow, Institute for Healthcare Improvement Author, The High Velocity Edge Click Here For Steve Spear’s LinkedIn |
