Company culture is not just a set of ideas or values; it's defined by the behaviors and actions of its people.

To build a successful company, you need to get people to invest in what you want to build, rather than what you think they want to hear.

Getting to the truth is crucial for CEOs, but it's often scary. Many CEOs see problems but hesitate to confront them, hoping they will go away instead of addressing them directly.

Many entrepreneurs avoid confronting issues within their organizations, often delaying necessary actions like firing underperforming employees due to fear of repercussions.

Cultural design is complex; it's about defining specific behaviors that create competitive advantages for your company, rather than just adopting general values.

For example, Amazon's culture is defined by being cost-effective, while Apple's culture focuses on creating perfect products. Each company must decide which cultural behaviors align with its business strategy.

In ancient samurai culture, honor was paramount, and insults were taken seriously, leading to extreme responses. This illustrates how cultural behaviors can evolve based on societal needs.

In our culture, we emphasize the importance of telling the truth to entrepreneurs, even if it means they might not like you for it. It's crucial to provide honest feedback, such as when a founder needs to make tough decisions about their team or financial plans, rather than just being friendly.

The portrayal of startup life in the media often overlooks the harsh realities. Many successful companies have faced significant struggles, and it's important for early-stage founders to understand that the journey is often filled with challenges, not just success stories.

When fundraising, it's essential to align your presentation with your true beliefs about your business rather than trying to tell investors what you think they want to hear. Investors are looking for conviction and a well-thought-out idea, not just a polished pitch.

Hiring individuals who are already wealthy can be risky, as they may not be as motivated during tough times. It's important to build a team that is committed and invested in the success of the company, rather than those who might easily walk away when challenges arise.