Have you ever wondered what it takes to develop true staying power in an industry as quick and variable as tech?

If you’re serious about making it in the tech world, there are certain attributes that will set you apart from the pack. Curiosity, humility, and the ability to see patterns are invaluable for anyone, but are absolute prerequisites for successful entrepreneurs. Couple these with a shrewd eye for team building and a knack for playing to your own strengths, and you may be well on your way to success.

When you hear names like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, the first thing that comes to mind will, of course, be that they’re titans in the tech industry. What might not immediately strike you is that they both built their empires from the ground up. Steve Raymund is one of the few others who also own that claim to fame. From his beginnings at the dawn of the 1980s tech boom to his diverse stable of investments today, Steve has managed to remain at the top of his game throughout the last 40 years.

Steve Raymund is the former CEO, co-founder, and board member of Tech Data, an IT products and services company headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. Steve led the company through early turmoil and self-described “rock bottom” during a nearly complete employee turnover, to going public a mere six years later, with $1 billion in annual sales by 1993.

Steve also serves as a board member for Jabil Inc, a $19 billion technology manufacturing company that provides parts to Apple and Microsoft.

As a 20-year CEO, Steve has learned some invaluable lessons. Find out why Paul touts Steve as a different kind of tech executive and the traits and personality type that Steve attributes much of his success to.

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Some Questions Asked:

To what do you attribute Tech Data’s longevity? (12:57)
What have you learned about managing people and creating a team? (17:30)
Is there one accomplishment in your career that stands out, that you're most proud of? (19:29)

In this episode, you will learn:

Steve’s experience as an early player in tech. (00:56)
What the rapidly growing tech marketplace, starting in the early '80s, looked like. (02:26)
The unique qualities that make up a different kind of tech leader. (7:11)
What to really look for in an angel investment opportunity. (25:48)
The key to making it all look so easy (and why the pain along the way is worth it!) (30:09)

Connect with Steve:

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