In this episode, Don Faul, the CEO of CrossFit, shares his remarkable career journey, emphasizing the key lessons in leadership and negotiation he learned along the way. Starting his career as a Marine platoon commander, Don transitioned to Silicon Valley, working at Google, Facebook, and Pinterest during their early and hyper-growth phases before leading CrossFit. The discussion covers his leadership approach, negotiation tactics, and the strategies that helped transform CrossFit into a global fitness powerhouse.

Whether you're interested in the dynamics of leadership, the intricacies of negotiation, or the evolution of a fitness brand, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to learn about the negotiation principles Don applied both internally and externally and the importance of understanding and aligning with people's motivations.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Guest Don Faul

01:04 Don Faul's Career Journey

02:38 The CrossFit Experience

08:39 Challenges and Changes at CrossFit

19:56 Management and Innovation at CrossFit

27:20 Reflections on Leadership and Negotiation

28:05 Reflecting on Negotiation Lessons from the Marines

28:30 Managing Emotions in High-Stress Situations

29:52 The Importance of Taking a Step Back

30:29 Early Career Decisions and Learning from Mistakes

31:22 Navigating Free Speech Challenges at Facebook

32:15 Internal Negotiations and Policy Conflicts

41:23 Lessons from Pinterest: Scaling and Structuring

46:47 Overcoming Challenges in Equity Compensation

52:31 Negotiating with Big Brands as a Small Company

56:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections