EPISODE 09
April 13, 2021.

Insights on Using Strategy to Respond to Fear with Davis Smith

A conversation with Cotopaxi’s Founder & CEO

It’s not uncommon these days to see startups born out of a desire to do a little bit of good in the world. And the good news is that businesses motivated by a social mission have a real appeal to both customers who like the idea of putting their money to good use, and investors who love the kind of focus and passion that comes from a founder on a mission. But balance is the key. So how do founders keep their startups profitable while being true to the heart of their social mission? Today we'll find out as we talk to Davis Smith, Founder of Cotopaxi, a Utah-based outdoor gear company, and venture capital investor Dalton Wright as we bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Identifying your startup as a B-Corporation and how investors view B-Corp companies

• How being accountable to investors can actually improve your leadership performance

• Responding to fear with strategy

• Davis’s experience with asking his executive team to take a pay cut at the pandemic’s start