Podcast Summary: Screaming in the Cloud – "Finding Engineers with Empathy with Lili Rogowsky"
Introduction and Backgrounds
In the episode titled "Finding Engineers with Empathy with Lili Rogowsky," host Corey Quinn engages in an enlightening conversation with Lily Rogowski, a multifaceted professional who has traversed diverse career paths from law to venture capital. The discussion delves into Lily's journey, the philosophy behind her venture firm, Atypical Ventures, and the unique concept of "Engineers of Empathy."
Notable Quote:
Lily Rogowski [00:00]: "I didn’t really like taking their money because they didn’t have any. That's not a great business model for a law firm, but it is for a VC."
Atypical Ventures and Investment Thesis
Corey initiates the discussion by exploring Lily's venture firm, Atypical Ventures. Initially intrigued by Lily's unconventional approach, Corey seeks to understand the firm's investment philosophy. Lily elaborates on Atypical Ventures' focus on early-stage investments, specifically targeting founders she terms "Engineers of Empathy."
Notable Quote:
Lily Rogowski [04:28]: "We look for technical founders who have the hard skills to build the thing and then also have the soft skills to build the right people around them."
Lily emphasizes the importance of founders possessing both technical expertise and the emotional intelligence necessary to foster strong team dynamics. This duality ensures that startups are not only technically robust but also culturally resilient.
The Importance of Empathy in Engineering
A significant portion of the conversation centers around the concept of "Engineers of Empathy." Lily defines this archetype as founders who blend technical proficiency with empathetic leadership. This combination is pivotal for navigating the complexities of early-stage startups, where technical challenges are often intertwined with interpersonal dynamics.
Notable Quote:
Lily Rogowski [04:28]: "We spend a lot of time trying to figure out what their mental models are, understanding that what you believe today is kind of less important than how you think and how you're going to make decisions in the future."
Lily underscores that the ability to adapt one’s mental models and decision-making processes is more critical than static beliefs. This flexibility is particularly valuable in the dynamic landscape of venture-backed startups.
Personal Experiences and Career Paths
Corey and Lily share insights into their personal journeys, highlighting Lily's transition from law to venture capital. Lily recounts her experience running her own law firm, assisting pre-incorporation companies through Series A funding, and her desire to provide both financial support and valuable guidance without the stringent constraints of traditional law firm models.
Notable Quote:
Lily Rogowski [16:28]: "I get to help them ... these are founders that I really believe are doing things that are going to set them apart and add value in the world, and I get to help them. That's a pretty cool gig."
Lily's transition was motivated by her passion for supporting innovative founders and her discomfort with conventional law firm profit models, which often prioritize financial gain over meaningful engagement.
The Value of Time vs. Money
A profound segment of the dialogue explores the intrinsic value of time over money. Both Corey and Lily express a shared philosophy that time is a finite, non-renewable resource, unlike money, which is seen as more renewable and fungible.
Notable Quote:
Lily Rogowski [19:03]: "Time is your most valuable because lawyers are judgy."
Lily articulates a framework where time is prioritized over monetary compensation, arguing that the former cannot be replenished, whereas financial setbacks can often be recovered from. This perspective informs her approach to venture capital, where the focus is on long-term relationships and value creation rather than short-term financial metrics.
Risk Assessment and Personal Interests
The conversation takes a personal turn as Corey highlights his perceptions of Lily's adventurous spirit, noting her interests in diving, cave diving, and alpine climbing. Lily connects these high-risk activities to her professional life in venture capital, suggesting that risk assessment is a critical skill both in extreme sports and in evaluating startup investments.
Notable Quote:
Lily Rogowski [21:32]: "I am a fairly small human and I think that I know some of my limits and I think I would make that judgment call at the time."
Lily emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and humility in both personal and professional risk-taking, advocating for a balanced approach that recognizes one's limitations while striving for ambitious goals.
Navigating Failure and Accountability
Corey and Lily discuss the inevitability of failure in both personal endeavors and venture investments. Lily stresses the importance of accountability and the willingness to admit mistakes, highlighting her role as a fiduciary to her limited partners (LPs). She advocates for transparency and integrity, ensuring that egos do not cloud judgment or lead to unfounded persistence in failing investments.
Notable Quote:
Lily Rogowski [25:53]: "I have to remove my ego from it. And if I'm wrong about something, I can be wrong about it, right?"
This approach fosters a culture of honesty and continuous learning, essential for long-term success in the volatile world of startups and venture funding.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode draws to a close, Corey and Lily reflect on the importance of authenticity and the courage to follow one's passions without succumbing to external pressures or conventional expectations. They reiterate the value of time, the significance of empathetic leadership, and the necessity of balancing risk with self-awareness.
Notable Quote:
Corey Quinn [30:34]: "It's."
The conversation ends on a light-hearted note, underscoring the mutual respect and shared values between Corey and Lily, both of whom are passionate about their respective fields and committed to fostering meaningful change within the cloud computing and venture capital landscapes.
Key Takeaways
- Engineers of Empathy: A unique founder archetype that blends technical skills with emotional intelligence, essential for building resilient and innovative startups.
- Time vs. Money: Prioritizing time as the most valuable, non-renewable resource over monetary gains, leading to more meaningful and sustainable career choices.
- Authenticity and Accountability: Emphasizing honesty, self-awareness, and the willingness to admit mistakes as foundational for personal growth and professional success.
- Risk Assessment: The ability to evaluate and manage risk effectively, both in extreme sports and in venture investments, is crucial for long-term stability and achievement.
Connecting with Lily Rogowski
For listeners interested in learning more about Lily Rogowski and her work with Atypical Ventures, the best avenue is through the official website of Atypical Ventures, which will be provided in the show notes.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges between Corey Quinn and Lily Rogowski, offering a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.