In this episode of the Beyond Barriers podcast, host Brooke Skinner Ricketts delves into a thought-provoking conversation with Mike Gamson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Permanent Capital Ventures. Discover how Mike's extensive career, from scaling LinkedIn's global operations to leading AI and biotech companies, has shaped his unique perspective on leadership and human connections in a hybrid work world.
Mike shares personal stories, including transformative experiences at Burning Man and insights from his Outward Bound Adventures, that highlight the importance of community, compassion, and adaptability in today's fast-paced business environment.
Tune in to learn how to navigate and thrive in the evolving landscape of work relationships.
Key Takeaways:
- Building Community: The importance of creating supportive networks both inside and outside of work, and how these networks can drive personal and professional success.
- Navigating Remote Work: Tips for staying connected and engaged with colleagues in a remote setting, including best practices for virtual communication and team collaboration.
- Unconditional Compassion: How to integrate compassion into daily leadership practices to create a positive and inclusive work environment.
- Empathy in Leadership: The role of empathy in building strong teams and communities, and how understanding and addressing the needs of others can drive success.
-
Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers
[00:30] Personal Reflections on Privilege
[01:26] Meet Mike Gamson: A Journey of Leadership
[03:30] The Power of Compassion in Leadership
[06:50] Formative Experiences and Leadership Insights
[12:57] Navigating Hybrid Work and Building Relationships
[24:48] Understanding Privilege and Compassion
[26:38] Visualizing and Managing Fear
[30:09] A Mother's Influence
[32:18] Daily Rituals and Family Life
[34:02] Mentorship and Learning
[38:17] The Burning Man Experience
[43:44] Lightning Round and Gratitude -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. MooreQ: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: I had a mentor named Mike Stanky, who's an amazing human being and really taught me a ton about sales leadership and leadership in general. Mike Would quote, Yoda, ,try not do or do not.Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: GratefulQ: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: I married Alyse.Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Icono Pop, I love it! -
Quotes
Embrace your ignorance as a temporary state and an opportunity to learn.
Mike Gamson
It's important to be compassionate, not just empathetic, to remain centered and effective.
Mike Gamson
Creating a supportive community is crucial for personal and professional success.
Mike Gamson
The privilege of having a happy family made any risks I took feel less risky.
Mike Gamson
-
About
Mike is a Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Permanent Capital Ventures, an expansion stage venture capital firm. Before Permanent Capital Ventures, Mike had a successful career as an operator and investor.
Mike was previously CEO at Evozyne, a Chicago based A.I. biotech company that aims to make novel proteins that can solve long standing challenges in therapeutics and sustainability.
Prior to Evozyne, Mike was CEO of Relativity, a Chicago-based legal technology company most recently valued at $3.6B and backed by SilverLake as well as Iconiq Capital.. As CEO he significantly grew and expanded the company, accelerated industry adoption of new products, and developed the company’s social impact programs.
Most notably, Mike spent 11 years at LinkedIn as the #2 operating executive leading the company across all revenue functions. Mike oversaw all commercial activity at LinkedIn globally, growing revenue from ~$10M to >$5B and the successful $26B acquisition by Microsoft. Mike played a crucial role in establishing their values-driven culture on a global scale.
As an active angel investor, Mike has advised and worked with over 100 companies over the last 20 years. Mike serves on the board of directors for three non-profit organizations: One Goal, P33 and Green Schoolyards America. In 2019, Mike received the Entrepreneurial Champion Award from 1871 and The Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center.
Mike holds an undergraduate degree from Amherst College and currently resides in Chicago with his wife and three children.