#413 How To Run Down A Dream

Key takeaways

Pursue a career aligned with your passion to enhance motivation and success.
Always seek to improve your craft through continuous learning and self-education.
Build relationships with mentors and peers who can guide and support your professional journey.
Embrace a spirit of generosity by giving back and helping others in their paths.
Success is about preparation and practice as much as the desire and goal to win.

Summary

Sam's Journey to Becoming a GM

Sam Hinky's early life in Marlowe, Oklahoma, shaped his passion for numbers and finance, leading him to intern at Bain Capital. Despite excelling at Bain, he realized his true desire was to become a sports GM, catalyzed by his love for data analytics in sports, as popularized by 'Moneyball'. He transitioned from Bain to pursuing opportunities in the NFL, eventually interning with the Houston Texans, and proved his worth through innovative data analysis.

Building a Unique Path

During his time at Stanford, Sam reached out to key figures in sports analytics, gaining exposure to significant players in the industry, including Billy Beane. Despite challenges in convincing traditional coaches of new approaches, Sam focused on earning respect and proving his analytical frameworks. He later moved to a pivotal role with the Houston Rockets, leading to an eventual GM position with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Transition to Venture Capital

After a tumultuous period in his role with the 76ers, Sam shifted focus, moving his family back to the Bay Area and teaching at Stanford. He embraced a new venture as he founded 87 Capital, reflecting on the importance of investing and making a positive impact. Sam conveys the joy he feels working with clients who share his enthusiasm and dedication.

Insights from Bill Gurley's Talk

The episode discusses Bill Gurley's talk about finding passion in careers. Gurley emphasizes the importance of pursuing passion rather than status and monetary gain. He shares five key principles that successful individuals have followed to thrive: finding one's passion, honing one's craft, developing mentors, embracing peer relationships, and paying it forward.

Show notes

Running Down A Dream: How to Succeed and Thrive in a Career You Love by Bill Gurley has been one of the most valuable talks I've heard. For years I have been using ideas from that talk to build this podcast. Bill has written a new book based on that talk: Runnin' Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love. This episode explores the most valuable ideas from the book and talk.

Episode sponsors:

Ramp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ gives you everything you need to control spend, watch your costs, and optimize your financial operations —all on a single platform. Make history's greatest entrepreneurs proud ⁠⁠⁠by going to Ramp.com to learn how they can help your business save time and money.⁠⁠⁠ https://ramp.com

Automate compliance, security, and trust with Vanta.⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Vanta helps you win trust, close deals, and stay secure—faster and with less effort⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Find out how increased security leads to more customers by going to Vanta⁠⁠⁠. Tell them David from Founders sent you and you'll get $1000 off. https://vanta.com/founders