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Y Combinator’s New Head

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Re: Y Combinator’s New Head

#21

Post by larrys »

reason wrote: post #2

No disrespect to Sam in any way -- he truly seems like a brilliant guy with a chorus of influential people behind him -- but I've been on a successful-person wikipedia binge as of late, and it's become very, very clear that a person's upbringing almost determines whether or not they're going to be successfull, which saddens me. I grew up to some very close-minded parents who severely limited my growth, forced me to f…

I'm always fascinated how it's necessary to preface one's point by first saying something like this:

"No disrespect to Sam in any way -- he truly seems like a brilliant guy with a chorus of influential people behind him -- but I've been on a successful-person wikipedia binge as of late, and"

Re: Y Combinator’s New Head

#24

Post by pseut »

soneca wrote: post #8

“You know how when you hit a tennis ball, it bounces back up and then simultaneously you swing the racket? YC is just getting to this point,” he added. “If you think [my role] is an influential position now, just wait a couple years and see what Sam does.” No, i don't know. Actually I have no idea what this analogy was supposed to mean, but I am very optimistic about how YC can innovate itself with Sam as president.…

Anticipation and timing.

Re: Y Combinator’s New Head

#25

Post by reason »

larrys wrote: post #21
reason wrote: post #2

No disrespect to Sam in any way -- he truly seems like a brilliant guy with a chorus of influential people behind him -- but I've been on a successful-person wikipedia binge as of late, and it's become very, very clear that a person's upbringing almost determines whether or not they're going to be successfull, which saddens me. I grew up to some very close-minded parents who severely limited my growth, forced me to f…

I'm always fascinated how it's necessary to preface one's point by first saying something like this: "No disrespect to Sam in any way -- he truly seems like a brilliant guy with a chorus of influential people behind him -- but I've been on a successful-person wikipedia binge as of late, and"

Fascinating in what way? The guy is smart, successful, and he deserves what he's achieved. That he's found the opportunities he's capitalized on isn't his fault.

Re: Y Combinator’s New Head

#26

Post by klochner »

reason wrote: post #2

No disrespect to Sam in any way -- he truly seems like a brilliant guy with a chorus of influential people behind him -- but I've been on a successful-person wikipedia binge as of late, and it's become very, very clear that a person's upbringing almost determines whether or not they're going to be successfull, which saddens me. I grew up to some very close-minded parents who severely limited my growth, forced me to f…

From this week's "Corner Office" in the NYT, about hiring:

What I’m mainly listening for is: Does this person believe things are happening for them, for a positive reason, regardless of what actually happened? Or do they believe that things are happening to them and against them? Do they hold a grudge against events, or do they believe they were a gift?

I’ll listen for whether they say things like, “I’m so glad that actually happened, because I learned this and this.” Or do they believe that there’s sort of a conspiracy out to harm them? Because if you work for me, you’re either going to think I’m here to help you, regardless of what I do, or you’re going to think I’m here to get you. I really don’t want the latter.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/business/shawn-jenkins-of-...

Re: Y Combinator’s New Head

#27

Post by [deleted] »

chollida1 wrote: post #20

> “It’s remarkable when somebody is both extroverted and smart,” > “Picture a smart person,” said Graham. “You don’t imagine somebody who is really good at talking to people, you picture someone really awkward.” This statement seems really weird to me. Looking at all the people I've known in my life the smartest people, at least in in terms of academic and financial achievements, are the extroverts. Extroverted and s…

[deleted]

Re: Y Combinator’s New Head

#28

Post by hol »

> “I learned this great lesson of my life,“ he said. “The way to get things done is to just be really f*g persistent. … I had this philosophy of going to every door and every window.”

Nothing more true than that.

Really excited to see where Sam takes things; he's super smart and very inspiring.

Re: Y Combinator’s New Head

#29

Post by mattkrisiloff »

namenotrequired wrote: post #22
gargarplex wrote: post #12

I had no idea Sam was gay. That was the most interesting part of the story, and also that I never knew before.

I also didn't know, but I am curious why you find his sexuality more interesting than anything else in this story?

Being gay, I also found it particularly interesting. Akin to the Female Founders Conference, it's energizing to see successful LGBT founders.

Re: Y Combinator’s New Head

#30

Post by iopq »

chollida1 wrote: post #20

> “It’s remarkable when somebody is both extroverted and smart,” > “Picture a smart person,” said Graham. “You don’t imagine somebody who is really good at talking to people, you picture someone really awkward.” This statement seems really weird to me. Looking at all the people I've known in my life the smartest people, at least in in terms of academic and financial achievements, are the extroverts. Extroverted and s…

Oh I don't know where we even get that stereotype from. Oh wait, I do, because Albert Einstein was an introvert and preferred to be alone. More recent examples: Bill Gates and Steve Wozniak.
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