Ben Horowitz: Why Hesitation is a CEO’s Worst Enemy
Show Notes
In this conversation from Lenny’s Podcast, Ben Horowitz joins Lenny to discuss the psychological muscle every founder needs, why hesitation can be fatal for CEOs, when it’s time to replace a founder, and how to normalize failure while building confidence. They also explore the Databricks founding story, investing in Adam Neumann after WeWork, whether AI is in a bubble, where the real opportunities lie, and Ben’s work with the Paid in Full Foundation supporting hip-hop pioneers. The result is a candid look at leadership, product management, and what it takes to build enduring companies.
Timecodes:
Introduction
The Psychology of Leadership & Decision-Making
Leadership lessons from Shaka Senghor
07.56 Struggle, Pain, and Growth as a CEO
Running toward fear and why hesitation kills companies
Who shouldn’t start a company
The Databricks story: thinking bigger
Managerial leverage and CEO psychology
When founders should be replaced as CEOs
Normalizing failure for CEOs
Counterintuitive lessons about building companies
“Good Product Manager/Bad Product Manager”
Product managers as leaders
Why a16z invested in Adam Neumann after WeWork
Is AI in a bubble?
The biggest opportunities in AI
Why U.S. leadership in AI matters
The Paid in Full Foundation for hip-hop pioneers
Lightning round: book recommendations, products, and life mottos
Resources:
Find Ben on X: https://x.com/bhorowitz
Find Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behorowitz/
Watch more of Lenny’s Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@LennysPodcast
Check out Lenny’s newsletter here: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com
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Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
Stay Updated:
Find a16z on X
Find a16z on LinkedIn
Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify
Listen to the a16z Show on Apple Podcasts
Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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