Why this CCO never takes recruiter calls and designs his own career
“And I actually think the venture part is giving back in a lot of instances.”
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Every company I work for, I found them. K? So if you look at the number of times I get approached by recruiters versus the number times that they actually managed to go and get me to an interview, it's probably single digits because I always wanted to be in control of my own destiny. And the third part of my career or act three is around venture. And I actually think the venture part is giving back in a lot of instances. You know, the operating role is to give back to the companies and say, this is what I learned. I don't think I've got the blueprint for your business, but I can tell you what doesn't work and kind of what was painful for me. So it's very much design, I would say. I wasn't expecting that, actually. Wow. See? And, since you just asked me about Iron Maiden, you know, for the only metal guy in the room, I'm the only one without hair, which makes no sense. So introduce us, Andy, to our hero of the day was, I would say better hair than you have, Andy. I'm so sorry.
About this clip
Pat Phelan explains his unconventional approach to career progression - always finding companies himself rather than going through recruiters, and how his current venture role is focused on giving back by sharing what doesn't work rather than claiming to have all the answers. He emphasizes being in control of his own destiny and using painful lessons to help portfolio companies avoid similar mistakes.
Why this clip
Offers a contrarian perspective on career development and the value of operator-turned-VC roles that resonates with ambitious professionals.
What they said next
The biggest customer success problem isn't what you think it is
34:22 - 15s · contrarian take
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