In this episode, Robin Bailey and guest host Josh Siegel sit down with entrepreneur Kirk Simpson, co-founder and CEO of goConfirm, a digital identity company that enables you to add trust to your everyday interactions with others. They discuss Kirk's decision to return to the startup world after a successful exit with his previous company, Wave. Kirk shares his motivations, including the fulfillment of working with smart and motivated people and tackling hard problems. He also talks about the challenges of transitioning from running a large company to starting a new startup, and the importance of maintaining a strong corporate culture during an acquisition. Kirk emphasizes the need for balance between work and personal life, and the importance of staying present with family. Overall, the conversation highlights the realities of being a tech founder and the dedication required to succeed.

Key Takeaways

• Transitioning from running a large company to starting a new startup can be challenging, but also refreshing and inspiring.
• Maintaining a strong corporate culture during an acquisition requires open communication and addressing employees' concerns.
• Balancing work and personal life is important, and it's okay to lean in during intense periods of work while also being present with family.
• Being a tech founder requires dedication and resilience, and it's important to demystify the romanticized view of entrepreneurship.

"There's quite literally nothing like being in a room with smart, motivated people trying to tackle a hard problem." ~ Kirk Simpson

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group