In this latest installment of the Built to Win podcast, host Dave Fleming welcomes Jeff Olson, the founder and CEO of Neora and the renowned author of The Slight Edge. Their engaging discussion delves into the profound impact of personal philosophy on one’s achievements, both within the Neora organization and in life.
Olson begins by emphasizing the critical importance of possessing a clear personal philosophy, asserting, “I do not know how you can be truly successful without really having an awareness of your philosophy.” He distinguishes a pre-existing philosophy shaped by societal influences and a consciously crafted personal philosophy that guides one’s behavior and decision-making.
Defining philosophy as “a theory or attitude held by a person or an organization that acts as a guiding principle for behavior,” Olson cautions that if individuals fail to cultivate positive philosophies, they will inevitably gravitate towards negative ones due to the prevailing societal forces. He stresses the significance of being the “gateway to the philosophies” that reside within one’s mind, as these philosophies ultimately shape the trajectory of one’s life and success at Neora.
The discussion then delves into the profound influence of personal associations on one’s philosophical outlook. Olson asserts that the people with whom one associates can significantly impact one’s philosophical perspective, stating, “You cannot have a positive outlook, a positive philosophy, positive guiding if you’re the five people you associated with the most have a negative one.” He underscores the importance of carefully curating one’s social circles to ensure alignment with a positive, success-oriented philosophy.
Olson then shares examples of his philosophies, such as “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do” and “Quit wanting what you don’t want.” He explains how these philosophies have shaped his mindset and decision-making, enabling him to approach challenges and adversity proactively and resiliently in his role at Neora.
Drawing on his experience as the CEO of Neora, Olson outlines the ten core philosophies that form the foundation of the company’s culture, including “be real,” “embrace and drive change,” and “practice servant leadership.” He emphasizes aligning one’s philosophies with organizational philosophies when building a thriving enterprise like Neora.
Olson concludes by encouraging listeners to take an introspective look at their current philosophies and the sources that influence them, whether it be the books they read, the podcasts they listen to, or the people they associate with. He stresses that the path to success at Neora and in life is often a solitary journey but one that can be navigated with the guidance of a solid personal philosophy.
Throughout the conversation, Olson’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of personal philosophy shines through as he shares insights that can help individuals and organizations achieve more tremendous success and fulfillment. His compelling narrative serves as a testament to the impact a well-crafted personal philosophy can have on one’s journey to becoming “Built to Win” at Neora and beyond.