Join Stan as he dives deep into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Sami Inkinen in this episode of All Things Negotiation. A two-time successful entrepreneur, Inkinen co-founded Trulia, an online real estate marketplace, and Virta Health, a revolutionary company aimed at reversing type 2 diabetes. Throughout the conversation, Inkinen shares insights on grit, risk-taking, and authenticity in the business world. Discover the highs and lows of startup life, the importance of burn-the-lifeboats mentality, and invaluable lessons on negotiation and long-term relationships from a leader whose ventures are valued at multiple billions of dollars. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a business veteran, Inkinen's stories of overcoming obstacles, staying focused, and balancing personal life are bound to inspire and inform.
00:00 The Harsh Reality of Entrepreneurship
00:25 Introducing Sami Inkinen: A Rare Breed of Entrepreneur
01:08 Sami's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Journey
02:07 Grit and Achievements: From Triathlons to Rowing Across the Pacific
04:17 The Birth and Growth of Trulia
09:38 Overcoming Challenges at Trulia
12:34 Transition to Virta Health: A New Mission
15:09 Virta Health's Approach to Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
19:34 Challenges in the Healthcare Industry
24:00 The Power of Probabilistic Results
24:43 Taking Risks and Innovating in Healthcare
27:13 Burning the Lifeboats: A Philosophy for Entrepreneurs
35:44 Balancing Multiple Identities
38:52 The Importance of Authenticity and Vulnerability
44:11 Advice for Young Founders on Negotiation
Host Stan Christensen has spent his career working as a professional negotiator in a variety of arenas. He has also taught a popular course on negotiation at Stanford University for over twenty years.