Mar 27, 2024
Mark Rangell, Chief Operating Officer at Ryte and a
digital health and technology strategy consultant, shared the story
of his friendship with Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselapolus. He
highlights the role of curiosity in fostering connections, leading
to friendships, business partnerships, and joint investments. Mark
discusses the aspects of growing a business, emphasizing the
importance of a diverse team with shared values and the use of
specific tools and processes. He describes a scaling approach that
focuses on principles and responsibilities, enabling team members
to understand their roles and align with the company's goals. Mark
believes that successful scaling involves particular techniques, a
unified team, and the right motivations for individuals. Reflecting
on his career's various "acts," including figuring things out,
leading turnarounds, and working with a healthcare AI firm, Mark
underscores the importance of storytelling over writing books. He
advises a mindful approach to stress management, focusing on
happiness and controlling what one can.
https://bit.ly/TLP-402
Key Takeaways:
[02:54] Mark shares that he recently joined Allegiance
Stadium's guest experience team, taking on the role out of a mix of
community service and curiosity about the Raiders organization.
Despite only working a few games, he now knows every tunnel in the
stadium and enjoys full access on game days, including the Super
Bowl. Describing the role as a form of leadership, he appreciates
troubleshooting and engaging with people from diverse
backgrounds.
[05:45] He narrated how he met Jan Rutherford, who was
once, a client during his time at Geneva Pharmaceuticals in
Colorado. They quickly evolved into a personal friendship that was
strengthened over family outings and casual get-togethers. Their
connection extended to Chicago, where Mark and Jim, meanwhile, both
in the technology sector, formed a small, trusted group through the
Chicago Technology Association. This group provided a safe space
for leaders in small to mid-sized companies.
[11:06] Mark explains that effective networking should
be genuine and rooted in an authentic appreciation for others. He
stresses the importance of curiosity in understanding individuals,
leading to friendships, business collaborations, and shared
investments. Mark also mentions that successful networking is
rooted in caring for people, genuine interest, and effective
listening, stating that success and sales naturally follow
authentic connections.
[17:12] He shares about scaling a business,
emphasizing the importance of diverse individuals aligned by
mission, vision, and values. He highlights the significance of
tools and processes, citing a scaling mechanism adopted over 20
years ago with a "bill of rights" and corresponding obligations.
This approach empowers individuals to question and understand their
roles within the organization, ensuring alignment with overarching
goals. Mark believes that successful scaling involves techniques, a
cohesive team, and the right motivations for individuals.
[19:55] Mark explains that adapting to change is
crucial for effective leadership. He highlights the need to adjust
communication styles based on evolving trends, emphasizing the
importance of techniques that stand the test of time. Drawing
parallels with sports analytics in football, he stresses that
sticking to outdated methods can lead to defeat, underlining the
necessity of adaptation in various contexts.
[21:27] He reflects on his journey, realizing the
entrance of what they term "act six" at the age of 60, breaking
down their career into different phases. The first phase, or "act
one," was the formative years he spent at IBM and in other roles,
focusing on figuring things out and climbing the product management
ladder. The second phase involved a turnaround situation where he,
along with a group, addressed financial mismanagement.
[26:12] In acts three, four, and five of Mark’s
career, he faced both successes and challenges, including being a
first-time CEO and establishing a successful consulting firm. Act
six, the current phase, emerged unexpectedly through networking.
Motivated by the potential impact of AI in healthcare, he joined a
healthcare AI firm. He emphasizes his motivation for joining,
driven by a desire to contribute to the AI industrial revolution
and improve healthcare outcomes. From a leadership standpoint, Mark
emphasizes the importance of diversity, curiosity, and
collaboration within the team.
[31:57] Mark acknowledges that facing challenges,
discomfort, and even clinical depression has been part of his
journey, often triggered by business-related factors. He then
explains the inevitability of encountering uncomfortable situations
and advises adapting to them rather than seeking them out. Mark
also reflects on his experiences, stressing the importance of
finding points of difference, pursuing happiness, and surrounding
oneself with people who bring joy. He defines success as one's
happiness and moral compass, emphasizing that financial success
follows hard work and luck.
[35:38] He mentions that he values storytelling over
writing books and encourages a conscious approach to managing life
stress. Mark emphasizes controlling variables within one's control,
letting go of stress in uncontrollable situations, and focusing on
happiness for oneself and others. Reflecting on past challenges, he
urges a perspective shift, advising not to sweat the small stuff
and to navigate challenges resiliently. He then expresses optimism
in the next generation's ability to make positive changes and leave
a better world.
[39:22] Closing Quote: Remember, if you are not
willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the
ordinary. -Anthony Robbins
Quotable Quotes:
“Networking should come naturally to you.”
“Networking has to be genuine, and you have to
genuinely appreciate people.”
“If you authentically care about people and engage in
meaningful activities, success, sales, and other achievements
naturally follow.”
“The key is to genuinely like and care about people,
actively listen, and show interest in their perspectives.”
“Scaling a business involves bringing together
individuals with diverse qualities.”
“In scaling a business, connect individuals
authentically through a shared mission, vision, and values.”
“Successful scaling requires effective techniques, a
robust team, and individuals with the right motivations.”
"There will be times in your life when you face
challenges."
"You must be prepared to respond to inevitable and
uncomfortable situations.”
“Success is defined by your happiness.”
"Financial success will follow if you work hard, catch
a few breaks, and are fortunate.”
“If your guiding principle is happiness, and you're
sincerely a kind person willing to dedicate some time to assist
others, even if there's no immediate transactional benefit, then
you're on the right path.”
“You will encounter challenges, which will build the
resilience needed to navigate through them.”
“People learn from stories.”
“Control variables within your control.”
“If you can do it and find joy in the journey, we’ll
ultimately reach a better place.”
Resources Mentioned: