In this episode, Don Faul, the CEO of CrossFit, shares his remarkable career journey, emphasizing the key lessons in leadership and negotiation he learned along the way. Starting his career as a Marine platoon commander, Don transitioned to Silicon Valley, working at Google, Facebook, and Pinterest during their early and hyper-growth phases before leading CrossFit. The discussion covers his leadership approach, negotiation tactics, and the strategies that helped transform CrossFit into a global fitness powerhouse.
Whether you're interested in the dynamics of leadership, the intricacies of negotiation, or the evolution of a fitness brand, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to learn about the negotiation principles Don applied both internally and externally and the importance of understanding and aligning with people's motivations.
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Guest Don Faul
01:04 Don Faul's Career Journey
02:38 The CrossFit Experience
08:39 Challenges and Changes at CrossFit
19:56 Management and Innovation at CrossFit
27:20 Reflections on Leadership and Negotiation
28:05 Reflecting on Negotiation Lessons from the Marines
28:30 Managing Emotions in High-Stress Situations
29:52 The Importance of Taking a Step Back
30:29 Early Career Decisions and Learning from Mistakes
31:22 Navigating Free Speech Challenges at Facebook
32:15 Internal Negotiations and Policy Conflicts
41:23 Lessons from Pinterest: Scaling and Structuring
46:47 Overcoming Challenges in Equity Compensation
52:31 Negotiating with Big Brands as a Small Company
56:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections
