In this interview, Wes Kao, former co-founder of Maven and AltMBA, discusses communication, charisma, and authenticity in company building. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, understanding one's baseline style, and leveraging personal strengths rather than trying to imitate others. Kao shares her experiences working with Seth Godin, highlighting the value of high standards and rapid iteration. The conversation explores strategies for effective communication, particularly between executives and founders, and delves into building an audience by providing value and offering a unique perspective. Kao also touches on identifying and addressing personal weaknesses while focusing on strengths to avoid resentment and achieve career fulfillment. Finally, she provides advice on how to interpret and act on feedback, such as being more strategic, by seeking specific examples and understanding the underlying expectations.
