Success Story with Scott D. Clary – Lessons: The Power-Ups That Built My Empire | Eric Siu

Episode Overview In this Lessons episode, Scott D. Clary interviews Eric Siu, entrepreneur, author of "Leveling Up," and advisor to large brands like Amazon and Uber. The conversation centers around practical mental models, habits, and mindsets—“power-ups”—that fuel lasting success. They unpack the realities of originality, the value of apprenticeship, and the endurance required for growth, offering actionable insights for both entrepreneurs and self-improvers.

Key Topics & Insights

1. What Are “Power-Ups”?

• Definition: Power-ups are either habits or mental models you intentionally develop, akin to collecting power-ups in a video game.
  • [00:59] Eric Siu: "There are 15 power ups in the book, and power-ups to me ... are either habits that you cultivate or mental models such as understanding things like second order consequences."
• Multiplicity: There are more than 15 – the quest for self-improvement is continuous.
• Positive vs. Negative Power-Ups: Just as good habits help, harmful ones set you back.
  • Example: Overeating fast food is a "negative" power-up.

2. The Myth of Pure Originality—Iteration Over Invention

• Originality Is Overrated: Many breakthroughs—including those by Apple and SpaceX—are improvements on past ideas.
  • [01:31] Eric Siu: "Even Apple, the most valuable company in the world ... he stole [the mouse and GUI] from Xerox. ... Everything is just a remix."
  • [02:23] Eric Siu: "Picasso himself has said that ... great artists steal, right? ... Reality is, those of you listening ... you're trying to get at least one nugget from it and you're trying to apply it to your life."
• Embrace Iteration: Don’t let the pressure of being "completely original" stifle progress.
  • [02:56] Eric Siu: "The sooner people let go of the pressure of having it be completely original, the easier it's going to be."

3. The Apprentice Mentality—Stay Humble, Keep Learning

• Definition & Importance:
  • [04:21] Eric Siu: "Apprentice mentality is really just ... understanding that you're never gonna be too high on yourself ... you can have strong views, but you should just hold them weekly. [W]hen presented with new data ... be ready to adjust."
• Not About Finding Mentors Alone: It’s an ongoing internal posture—absorbing, not just seeking out teachers.
  • [05:20] Eric Siu: "I try to be the idiot in the room ... when I approach things from an idiot or apprentice [mindset] ... I have a lot to learn."
• Ego Is the Enemy: Success comes from being open, not from flexing.
  • [06:58] Eric Siu: "I love sharing the numbers ... but I don't do it to flex. ... How helpful is that, really? Or is that more ego than anything?"

4. Endurance and Mindset—The Prerequisite of Success

• Expect Pain—And Run Towards It:
  • [09:11] Eric Siu: "Any level of success you're hoping to achieve—pain is a prerequisite. ... People tend to run away from the pain. But reframing your mind into running towards it and getting through it [is key]."
• Mindset Shapes Endurance: Success is less about avoiding setbacks and more about how you respond.
  • [09:44] Eric Siu: "It's all about mindset ... it's how you're programmed at the end of the day. What type of information are you consuming? Who are you hanging out with? That is your programming."

5. Tactical vs. Bragging—What Actually Helps Listeners?

• Sharing numbers or “flexes” only helps if they’re paired with transparent lessons or roadmaps.
  • [07:30] Scott D. Clary: "Credibility is great, but it doesn't actually offer tactical or tangible insight or lessons that somebody can take away."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Originality:
  • [02:23] Eric Siu: "Life is just ... you're going around collecting all these nuggets, and then maybe you're making a 10 to 30% iteration."
• On the Apprentice Mindset:
  • [06:10] Scott D. Clary: "The most successful people ... the second they implant themselves into a group, they immediately just want as much information as possible."
• On Endurance:
  • [09:15] Eric Siu: "Pain is a prerequisite, right? ... But reframing your mind into running towards it and getting through it, right?"

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:59 | Eric defines “power-ups” and explains their role in success | | 01:31 | Examples: Apple, SpaceX, and Picasso—iteration vs. originality | | 04:21 | The true meaning of the apprentice mentality | | 05:20 | Clubhouse example: Learning by being the 'idiot in the room' | | 06:58 | Discussing the fine line between sharing success and flexing | | 09:11 | Power-up on endurance: Embracing necessary pain and struggle | | 09:44 | On the lasting impact of mindset and your peer group |

Summary & Takeaways

• Success is about building and stacking small habits (“power-ups”), not waiting for lightning-bolt originality.
• Iteration is valid—almost every major breakthrough is built on an old foundation.
• Adopting an apprentice mentality—staying humble and eager to learn—is essential even at the top.
• Grit and endurance matter just as much as talent or intelligence.
• Be wary of ego-driven spaces: seek insight and actionable knowledge, not just stories of success.

“You're going around collecting all these nuggets ... then maybe you're making a 10 to 30% iteration.”
— Eric Siu [02:23]

“The more ego you develop, the more you're gonna be stuck in your ways. But the world's evolving so quickly.”
— Eric Siu [04:21]

“Pain is a prerequisite. ... Reframing your mind into running towards it and getting through it, right?”
— Eric Siu [09:15]