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Patrick Spence

Sonos, Former CEO
EPISODE 81

Build to Last

Today's guest is Patrick Spence, the CEO of Sonos. So many tech companies that build consumer products are set up in a way where they make their products obsolete every time they launch a new product. The idea is that the minute the new device is available, their customers will abandon the old product and buy the newest model. 

But what's interesting is that Sonos has a very different strategy. They set out to build their products to last. They want their customers to have their products for a long, long time. It's a unique approach in their industry. But there's something about it, that core principle that ties in well with the mark of a great leader. 

You see, the great leaders, I know, they build the last, they make decisions to keep the brand strong beyond just the present moment. They develop leaders in their organization. So there's always a pipeline of strong talent when new opportunities arise. They treat their customers with dignity and respect, which breeds long term brand loyalty. 

I could go on and on and what you're about to hear from Patrick Spence, and how he leads Sonos as their CEO, is that he's leading with this build the last approach in all aspects of the business. I can't wait for you to listen in.

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Short (but powerful) leadership advice from entrepreneurs and CEOs of top companies like JPMorgan Chase, Target, Starbucks and more.

Clips

  • Tell people where you’re going
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Embrace failure or risk stagnation
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Be willing to let go of the past for an even better future
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Your leadership team and Board should have a relationship
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Most people value the same things
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Don’t rush bad products to market
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Show up as a human, not just a CEO
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Physical wellness support mental wellbeing
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Good leadership is not about brute force and ego
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Your customers will be loyal to you if you’re loyal to them
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Measure both what your team does and how they do it
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Make sure your name isn’t used as a hammer
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Learn something from every single person you interact with
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO
  • Make it easy for customers to share their stories with you
    Patrick Spence
    Patrick Spence
    Sonos, Former CEO

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