Welcome to GroundTruth by Dogpatch Advisors, a podcast about company builders, leadership, and how operators use data to build the future of sales. To learn more, check out www.groundtruthpod.com for other Ground Truth episodes and a deeper dive into each story. 

In this episode, we talk to Jeff Ma, current General Manager of Microsoft for Startups, to talk about his multidisciplinary background, his business journey, and his passion for startups and innovation. With a formation influenced by the pursuit of excellence, along with his natural gifts for math and science, Jeff has always managed to stay ahead of the curve, and has found a spot inside groundbreaking projects and startups time and time again. A legendary gambler and a role model for entrepreneurs, Jeff shares his success story. Listen now to learn how following your passion and making meaningful connections will always add up to the building of your own legacy.

Podcast Summary: 

0:44 - Jeff’s academic journey, multidisciplinary background, and his toe dip in the entrepreneurial waters. 

8:30 - Bonding over blackjack, transforming a casino into a “working office”, and becoming a gambling superstar.

18:38 - A professional breakthrough: Jeff’s involvement in an ambitious sports business model, and the birth, “fail” and rebirth of PROTRADE. 

28:55 - The cool kid in the company: On TenXer, the Twitter experience and why networking is invaluable. 

33:10 - Jeff’s migration to Microsoft, the importance of taking “once in a lifetime” opportunities, and how to get rid of the Impostor Syndrome. 

36:22 - On data innovation, the future of sales and how Microsoft serves startups. 

39:53 - Jeff’s regrets, thoughts on his legacy and his hopes for the future.

40:50 - A brief discussion on Microsoft for Startups.

Resources 

The House Advantage by Jeff Ma

Range by David Epstein

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Moneyball by Michael Lewis

Smart People Podcast with Marty Cagan 

Credits

GroundTruth is a production of Dogpatch Advisors. This episode was written by Campfire Labs, sound engineering and studio space provided by StudioPod Media, editing and mixing by Nodalab,