We also get into life after exit, what it looks like to find meaning beyond money, and John’s latest chapter as founder of Perceptual where he helps enterprises adopt AI safely and responsibly. Whether you are a founder, an executive, or someone simply curious about what is next in your career, this conversation is packed with practical insights and real-world stories you can act on tomorrow.
Inside the episode
How John tested new markets with Google ads before making big bets
Lessons in hiring: specialists vs. generalists, and convincing talent to join a smaller business
Implementing EOS and why “following the recipe” matters
Research and discovery, from validating product markets to interviewing 70 founders
Why “feedback is a gift” and how to give it effectively
The role of peer groups like EO and YPO in accelerating growth
Finding purpose and passion after an exit, the “pocket knife” principle
Guardrails for AI, how enterprises can adopt AI without being paralyzed by fear
Mentioned in this episode
EOS / Traction - https://www.eosworldwide.com/?podconvergence
Beyond the Exit by John Rood - https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Exit-Successful-Entrepreneurs-Their/dp/B0DRCWS3P6/?podconvergence
Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) - https://eonetwork.org/?podconvergence
YPO - http://ypo.org/?podconvergence
Perceptual - https://proceptual.com/about/?podconvergence
John’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrood1?podconvergence
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