1. "Once a new technology rolls over you, if you're not part of the steamroller, you're part of the road." -Stewart Brand

In business and life, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for the steamrollers. These are the industries and businesses that are innovating.

"I think we should be looking for the steamrollers, respecting them, and getting on board." -DG

2. "A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities, and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties." - Harry Truman

Entrepreneurs are optimists at heart. They are often dismissed as naive or insensitive but are driven by a dream or vision to create something that doesn't exist. Life is more fun as an optimist. It's also a good idea to invest in optimistic leaders.  

"Optimism, at its heart, is not a state of mind. It is a creative force." -DG

3. "People don't want to buy a quarter-inch drill; they want a quarter-inch hole." -Theodore Levitt

Solutions are what win in the marketplace. Think past the product or service and ask yourself, "Is this a true solution?"

3 Traits of Effective Solutions

• Empathy - Look at the solution through the eyes of potential customers.

• Usability - Look beyond what you want and ask, "Is it usable?

• Scoreable - Are the results of your empathy and your usability ultimately winning? Are the solutions being used, and are you hearing back from people who are using them that you've improved their life?

4. "Maps, by definition, can help only in known worlds -- worlds that have been charted before. Compasses are helpful when you are not sure where you are and can get only a general sense of direction." -Karl Weick

Maps are permanent and backward-looking. They don't provide an accurate picture of the situation. Leaders need to have the adaptive capacity to respond quickly and intelligently to relentless change. A compass allows you to observe your environment, adapt to the situation, and move in the right direction.

5. "Stay Hungry! Stay Foolish!" -Steve Jobs, quoting the final issue of The Whole Earth Catalog

This quote to close is an excellent summary of the mindset one begins to have after listening to a few episodes of The Rule Breaker Investing Podcast. It's important to have a natural curiosity, keep learning, and have fun on the journey.

Reference: Great Quotes, Vol. 7: Making Potential Energy Kinetic