Will Ahmed
WHOOP, Founder and CEO
Prioritize the Right Data
Today's guest is Will Ahmed, the Founder and CEO of WHOOP, a wearable fitness tracker that measures a few key metrics to help top athletes and everyday consumers achieve peak performance. You're going to learn that Will is an incredibly sharp young leader. Believe it or not, he's in his early 30s, running a company that was recently valued at $3.6 billion. Running a company at that level requires a whole other level of discipline, when it comes to focusing in on what truly matters. If you want to keep your business healthy, no matter what size a company you lead, it's imperative that you measure and keep your eyes on a few vital metrics at all times.
You're going to learn:
- How problems with athletic overtraining led to a company that helps monitor sleep
- The hidden side of sleep and the WHOOP tracker
- How WHOOP can compete with the Apple Watch
- How simple metrics lead to better decision-making
- How Will went from student athlete to company builder
- How Will maintains steady focus through delegation and meditation
- Why the WHOOP business model emulates Peloton instead of FitBit
- How to “Growtain” your customers
- How to be excellent in multiple complication industries at once
- How WHOOP built promotion partnerships with top athletes and sports networks
- How to find and develop people who are high intensity AND high humility
- Why WHOOP pays its employees to sleep
- PLUS Will’s best advice for entrepreneurs
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The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go
Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day
Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
More from Will Ahmed
Foster healthy collaboration by hiring people with these two qualities
When you have a team of people who live at the intersection of high intensity and high humility, it creates a culture where people are comfortable debating and challenging each other. But more importantly, your people focus more on arriving at the best answer for the company than about getting their own way.
Figure out the right solutions to customers' problems
The solution your customer is asking for might not actually be the best way to solve their problem. It’s your job to solve that puzzle and get to the right answer.
One key benefit of a subscription-based business model
Should you offer a subscription with your product? It could help lower costs and acquire customers. Just prioritize your customer experience so people keep coming back.
Don't conflate self identity and company performance
You are not your company! Separate your own performance from the performance of your organization, and you’ll have a healthier mindset all around.
Comparison isn't a productive mindset
Resist the temptation to compare yourself to other leaders. Instead, spend that energy focusing on your own path to improvement.
Create a learning culture for yourself as a leader
Your company is growing—that’s great. Are you growing, too? Make your own development a priority, no matter how busy you are.
The power of aspirational market positioning
Aspirational brands turn products into symbols of identity. Align your product that way, and you’ll connect with customers on a whole new level.
Cultivate self-awareness for a more even-keeled leadership style
When you recognize your own emotions before they take over, you can lead with a steady hand—no matter what the day throws at you.
Clips
| Clip | Leader | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Figure out the right solutions to customers' problems | Will Ahmed | 1:33 |
| Don't conflate self identity and company performance | Will Ahmed | 1:07 |
| Cultivate self-awareness for a more even-keeled leadership style | Will Ahmed | 1:50 |
| One key benefit of a subscription-based business model | Will Ahmed | 1:50 |
| The power of aspirational market positioning | Will Ahmed | 0:58 |
| Foster healthy collaboration by hiring people with these two qualities | Will Ahmed | 1:51 |
| Create a learning culture for yourself as a leader | Will Ahmed | 0:44 |
| Comparison isn't a productive mindset | Will Ahmed | 0:59 |
| Three words of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs | Will Ahmed | 0:50 |