Some of us have vivid visions of our future in our early careers. For others, the path isn’t so clear. Some of us were born to lead people. Others were born to lead ideas. And, every once in a while, a leader arises who truly understands the connection between the two.
Personally, I’ve worked with and for both types of leaders. Those who focus on people first can often be sluggish on the innovation side. Those who focus on ideas can often be harsh personalities–almost impossible to work with, or for. But, after interviewing thousands of leaders throughout my career, I can say that I’ve been blessed to meet numerous leaders who possess both traits.
However, I need to be honest. I’m not the king of the sniff test. I’ve been wrong numerous times. Nevertheless, I wondered, “Who would be the king of the sniff test?”
After contemplating this question for a few days, I realized that I should talk to someone who makes a living, and takes risks on people and ideas for their livelihood.
“Real value happens when all players realize that working together, and actually caring for each other, while sharing the same vision, is the fastest way to success,” said Jason Butcher, Founder and CEO of Orbit Capital, and one of those unique people who are equally skilled at leading both ideas and people. “That might sound like a generic tagline. But, it’s not. The people, the ideas, and the investments work far better when everyone understands, cares, and works toward, the same goal.”
Butcher is a guy who has a wildly successful resume in the investment world. But, he also has a heartwarming story of entrepreneurship and DIY persistence–knowing, while he was still in high school, that he had a unique passion to bring people together. “You’d think I would look back and maybe call my own ideas strange,” says Butcher. “How many high school kids think like that? But, obviously, I saw something back then. I realized that connecting people and building relationships between people who could benefit each other was extremely valuable. And, I was right.”
After graduating from high school in Vancouver, Butcher created a newsletter titled, The Home Based Journal. “My idea was to create content that helped entrepreneurs connect, share advice, and just realize they weren’t alone with their ideas.”
Strangely enough, Jason and I, being the same age, continued to swap stories on our call–about how we both witnessed, and worked in, a massive global information transition. We had both built magazines, and watched content move from print to web. This is while we were still printing, and watching technology change from off-set printing to digital, and on-demand. And, we were both living and working in a world where eyeballs were just starting to tilt from television screens to computer screens and smart devices. “It was a good time,” said Butcher. “It felt like the world of information was transforming in front of our eyes. And, to look at that pace of change in today’s world, it feels slow.”
…and, this is where the similarity between myself and Jason Butcher splits down two very different paths. While I was writing and speaking about transformation, Butcher began building it, and investing in it. “I really love the early stage ideas, the strategies, and mostly the creativity shared between people,” he told me. “I like to be a true partner.”
Being actively involved with, and supporting numerous startups across a wide range of industries and markets from Sports Tech, Fintech, Payments, Artificial intelligence, Mental Health, Innovation and community initiatives, Butcher is known for his extensive contributions as a passionate entrepreneur, investor, dedicated mentor, and seasoned advisor. “I really enjoy helping and empowering visionary founders who I think can make a global impact.”
“What advice would you have for other leaders?” I asked. “Or, other entrepreneurs?”
Butcher, without flinching, replied by saying, “The things I wished I would have known at earlier stages of my career would be five things…”
- Contribute to learn. “Yes, I’m an investor,” said Butcher. “But, I love nothing more than early stage ideation. I like to be part of it. I like to be in the room with ideas. And, I’m not doing it for oversight or control. I’m doing it because I believe contribution is the best education. When you contribute, you become part of the discussion, rather than just a collector of spreadsheets. I would suggest this to anyone in a leadership position–be part of the conversation, honestly get to know the people, and contribute instead of leading.
- Listen to people who are lost. “Okay, this might sound odd,” he added. “But, people who are lost are asking the best questions. They just are. They’re lost because something isn’t connecting. And, those misconnection points are typically a goldmine. They reveal how you might solve a problem, tweak a product, or communicate more effectively. Don’t waste your time with the people who claim to know everything. Instead, focus on those who ask the most questions.
- Care. “Maybe it still baffles me that I still need to raise this point,” Jason said. “However, as an investor, an employer, or even a manager, actually caring about the people you’re working with is probably the most important thing you can do. It boosts their productivity. It boosts your results. And, quite honestly, I think it’s our purpose on this planet.”
- Limit screens, at least occasionally. “I know it’s a big topic with children,” he added. “But, what about ourselves? We’re all consuming so much content and opinions that our heads are exploding. And, algorithms are feeding us that content. Disconnect on purpose. Check in with your own gut feelings and your own ideas. And, even when you are connected to screens, don’t believe everything. Trust your gut.”
- Seek human connection. “I’ve been shocked through the years just how close I’ve become to people, and how willing those people were to share advice, connections, and even introductions. When we start connecting with other humans–instead of fixating on potential, results, etc.–it’s amazing what people can accomplish together.”
After Jason finished speaking, I applauded his human-first mindset. Then, we chatted a bit more about our pasts–the magazines, his time helping to launch the World Shopping Network on the internet, and other various topics. But, as I started thanking Jason for his time and insight, he interrupted me. “Todd, please let me know if there is anything I could do for you–an introduction, or whatever you need. Just reach out anytime.”
