Phil Hayes-St Clair
I write a weekly post about product development, fundraising, venture growth and leadership as AirShr CEO and mentor to founders. This is a place where everyone is welcome and conversation is engaging and civil.
Scaling Culture — The Toughest Job For Founders: Five Questions with Ian Berry
Scaling Culture — The Toughest Job For Founders: Five Questions with Ian Berry
I met Ian nearly a decade ago on a flight. During our conversation, and in a time prior to my first venture but during my first episode of…I met Ian nearly a decade ago on a flight. During our conversation, and in a time prior to my first venture but during my first episode of intrapreneurship, Ian impressed the idea that a leader’s role, beyond helping to create more leaders, is to do everything possible to create and maintain environments that allow people to be the best version of themselves. ¶ In one of the best posts of 2015 Kim Scott presented how radical candour is a linchpin to scaling culture.Phil Hayes-St ClairFeb 20
Products Need ‘Cool’ To Thrive
Products Need ‘Cool’ To Thrive
I look forward to pitching AirShr every day. I’ve pitched it over 1,100 times to just about every age group from 10-year-old children to 70…I look forward to pitching AirShr every day. I’ve pitched it over 1,100 times to just about every age group from 10-year-old children to 70-year-old grand parents. After each pitch I pause and look for two things — the first word (or phrase) the recipient responds with and how long it takes them to respond. ¶ In doing so I uncovered a remarkably valuable feedback tool to fine-tune AirShr’s proposition.Phil Hayes-St ClairFeb 19
Interview: Turning AirShr From Idea Into Reality
Interview: Turning AirShr From Idea Into Reality
Here’s a link to an interview I gave to Key Person of Influence this month.Here’s a link to an interview I gave to Key Person of Influence this month. Given the speed at which teams work in new ventures I always find it useful to reflect on how ideas are transformed into products and then businesses. In this interview I talk about how we discovered the market opportunity, the key factors that helped AirShr secure investment and advice on how to turn ideas into reality.Phil Hayes-St ClairFeb 3
Investor-Led Story Telling (Video)
Investor-Led Story Telling (Video)
If you’re starting a new venture or a founder looking for additional inspiration (or just wanting to know that you’re not alone in the…If you’re starting a new venture or a founder looking for additional inspiration (or just wanting to know that you’re not alone in the pursuit of a evolving vision), watch this short series called GreyMatter. Each video is three to eight minutes long and talks to the experience of people using technology to seize global opportunities. These are founder’s stories. ¶ [embed]https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnsTB8Q5VgnVM4c5KATu-TbsWFDiV9L-0[/embed]Phil Hayes-St ClairJan 30
New Ideas Need Two Documents
New Ideas Need Two Documents
It’s intoxicating to have an idea for a new business that could meet an unmet need and revolutionise a market or industry.It’s intoxicating to have an idea for a new business that could meet an unmet need and revolutionise a market or industry. Unfortunately this feeling often sees first-time founders focus on writing a business plan and trying to protecting the idea, both of which, at the stage of early ideation, are a waste of time. Business plans ask questions that at best are answered with guesses and as far as protecting intellectual property is concerned, the novel parts of technology usually become evident…Phil Hayes-St ClairJan 22
Recruiting Star Performers To Your Start-Up? Look For The ‘Elders’.
Recruiting Star Performers To Your Start-Up? Look For The ‘Elders’.
Hiring at any start-up is hard. At AirShr everyone who has joined our family has undergone a paid audition.Hiring at any start-up is hard. At AirShr everyone who has joined our family has undergone a paid audition. This rule is without exception because the risk of making poor talent decisions can have disastrous consequences on momentum, the balance sheet and a fledgling culture. ¶ Of course there is also risk in joining a new venture. Candidates need to trust that the venture’s leaders are executing on a compelling vision in a way that will afford them an environment to create value by doing…Phil Hayes-St ClairJan 16
Why Veterans Miss War
Why Veterans Miss War
It’s rare to watch a short documentary as moving and compelling as this one by journalist Sebastian Junger.It’s rare to watch a short documentary as moving and compelling as this one by journalist Sebastian Junger. If post traumatic stress has touched you, a loved one or a distant acquaintance I urge you to watch this 13-minute TED talk. ¶ If you have never served in the military or as a first responder you will depart this TED experience with new found empathy and the term brotherhood will take on new and very important meaning.Phil Hayes-St ClairJan 2
“Because They Treat Me Like A Human”
“Because They Treat Me Like A Human”
On three occasions this past month I’ve heard high-calibre software engineers explain that they have moved to a new employer because the…On three occasions this past month I’ve heard high-calibre software engineers explain that they have moved to a new employer because the prospect of being treated ‘more like a human’ was higher. It’s unsettling to hear this with such regularity. ¶ There are many instances where engineers are wrongly positioned at the delivery end of product development. In these cases they are excluded from the early visionary conversations and instead are sent often incomplete technical requirements before…Phil Hayes-St ClairDec 3, 2015
The First 1000
The First 1000
AirShr has secured its first 1,000 users, 21 days after ‘AirShr’ was heard on commercial radio for the first time.AirShr has secured its first 1,000 users, 21 days after ‘AirShr’ was heard on commercial radio for the first time. In terms of traction, this is a small but significant milestone for AirShr’s partnership with WaveFM, Grant Broadcasters and the radio industry. ¶ I’ve talked before about the need to celebrate small wins and this is undoubtedly one of them. And whilst there is still much to achieve we’re very excited and proud to have inspired 1,000 people to use our product. ¶ Onward!Phil Hayes-St ClairNov 19, 2015
Weird Science + AirShr
Weird Science + AirShr
We developed AirShr’s launch marketing plan with our partner WaveFM via Grant Broadcasters some time ago.We developed AirShr’s launch marketing plan with our partner WaveFM via Grant Broadcasters some time ago. It leverages two envious mass media capabilities of radio — reach and frequency. ¶ Sometimes the best laid plans don’t always go exactly as expected. In this (unscripted and unexpected) case, the plan has gone into overdrive and it’s very cool. ¶ [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/231388574" params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true…Phil Hayes-St ClairNov 13, 2015
Remember, Today.
Remember, Today.
Today, in Australia and in many other countries, we will remember family and men and women who died on and off the battle field protecting…Today, in Australia and in many other countries, we will remember family and men and women who died on and off the battle field protecting our way of life. This Rememberance Day I will be thinking of friends who have and continue to serve in defence forces around the world. In particular I’ll be thinking of my mate and Commando Matty Kappler who passed a short time ago. ¶ However you choose to remember at 11am today, take an extra minute to check on a mate and remember those who have been…Phil Hayes-St ClairNov 10, 2015
Five Questions With Paul Valerio.
Five Questions With Paul Valerio.
Paul and I met through my co-founder Opher whose only comment was, “you have to meet this guy”.Paul and I met through my co-founder Opher whose only comment was, “you have to meet this guy”. Paul has since been advising AirShr on marketing strategy and become an essential sounding board for our team. ¶ I made this remark about Paul in a recent email to the team as I thanked them for their life’s best work ahead of AirShr’s launch: ¶ Paul — In a very short time you have instilled a sense of calm and precision in the way we think about marketing AirShr.Phil Hayes-St ClairNov 8, 2015
At The Start Line.
At The Start Line.
On Saturday “AirShr” was said on commercial radio for the first time.On Saturday “AirShr” was said on commercial radio for the first time. This moment has been two years in the making and on Friday our small team of four reflected on the journey to date. From the initial idea, to our first partnership, to listening to the teasers that aired this past week, we have built a special camaraderie from being in the trenches, shoulder-to-shoulder, building and refining product while working to convince others that AirShr could be made a reality, and one that would be…Phil Hayes-St ClairNov 1, 2015
Video Of The Week: A Recent Talk I Gave At The 2015 National Radio Conference
[embed]https://youtu.be/ThoY0ZNsf1A[/embed] ¶ Thanks to Commercial Radio Australia for the invitation to attend.[embed]https://youtu.be/ThoY0ZNsf1A[/embed] ¶ Thanks to Commercial Radio Australia for the invitation to attend.Phil Hayes-St ClairOct 22, 2015
Why?
Last week I was twice reminded of the importance of communicating why you invest time in a project or venture.Last week I was twice reminded of the importance of communicating why you invest time in a project or venture. ¶ Entrepreneurs in the early stages of a venture are encouraged to present their big idea in a compelling and succinct format, in 10 slides or less, using a formula that talks to opportunity, product and capacity to execute. Becoming more proficient at pitching (and I’ve pitched AirShr nearly 1000 times) also means it takes less time to deliver important key messages.Phil Hayes-St ClairOct 20, 2015
AirShr In 90 Seconds
This 90 seconds took 18 months to write. It first played on Friday as I formerly introduced AirShr and our partnerships with Grant…This 90 seconds took 18 months to write. It first played on Friday as I formerly introduced AirShr and our partnerships with Grant Broadcasters and Nova at the National Radio Conference on the Gold Coast. ¶ Many thanks to my friend Michael ‘Wippa’ Wifli who did a great job bringing AirShr to life. ¶ Do you like it? ¶ [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/227086960" params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width…Phil Hayes-St ClairOct 11, 2015
Don’t Forget Voice & Tone — Part 2
I received this email from Skype today. It’s a great example of being candid when things go wrong, in Skype’s case a 15-hour outage that…I received this email from Skype today. It’s a great example of being candid when things go wrong, in Skype’s case a 15-hour outage that affected its users around the world. And although you wouldn’t wish this kind of issue on any company, it highlights much of what I discussed earlier in the week (now known as Part 1). Kudos to Skype for staying true to their mission. ¶ Hello, ¶ Our mission at Skype is to help keep you closer and do more with the people who matter to you most.Phil Hayes-St ClairOct 8, 2015
Don’t Forget Voice & Tone — Part 1
AirShr’s office is a collective of ventures. HundredWeight, a branding agency who’s clients include iconic global brands is one of our…AirShr’s office is a collective of ventures. HundredWeight, a branding agency who’s clients include iconic global brands is one of our neighbours. During a recent lunchtime round table we explored the importance of a brand’s voice and tone — the way customers hear, read and interpret a companies messages. ¶ Craig, Stephen and Martin talked to examples where companies had invested heavily in developing brand guidelines only to favour visual executions (e.g.Phil Hayes-St ClairOct 5, 2015
Unicorns
From over at Mark Suster’s Both Sides Of The Table blog.From over at Mark Suster’s Both Sides Of The Table blog. ¶ If you’re fortunate enough to raise $100 million early-on to build your startup — congratulations. But to all of the 99.999% of other startups out there please know that this isn’t the success by which to measure yourself. Measure yourself in gym visits, in 3-yard gains, in sacrifice and dedication. Avoid the metaphorical parties and the alcohol and the extra pounds and know that your gains will come in lines of code and purchase…Phil Hayes-St ClairSep 28, 2015
That Start Up Show
Last week I spoke to my friend Sally Gatenby about That Start Up Show which she co-founded with Anna Reeves and Ahmed Salama.Last week I spoke to my friend Sally Gatenby about That Start Up Show which she co-founded with Anna Reeves and Ahmed Salama. It’s Australia’s first ever independent Live / Youtube hybrid show focusing on the fast-growing Australian entrepreneurial boom and the culture that surrounds it. ¶ Sally describes the show, filmed at the Savoy Tavern in downtown Melbourne, as Gruen meets Jimmy Fallon meets Shark Tank.Phil Hayes-St ClairSep 21, 2015
Video Of The Week: The Importance & Power Of Repetition
This is great insight from LinkedIn’s Jeff Weiner on the importance and power of repetition in communicating vision and mission.This is great insight from LinkedIn’s Jeff Weiner on the importance and power of repetition in communicating vision and mission. This logic, made popular by David Gergen, is as relevant for internal teams as it is for customers, partners and investors. ¶ [embed]https://youtu.be/RgKDFY8kQ0Q?t=10m32s[/embed]Phil Hayes-St ClairSep 15, 2015
Techmeme’s Incredible Decade
My two go-to intelligence sources each morning are Inkl and Techmeme.My two go-to intelligence sources each morning are Inkl and Techmeme. Last week, to celebrate their 10 year anniversary, Techmeme’s CEO Gabe Rivera published an extraordinary account of their journey to become the epicentre of technology news and insight. ¶ Techmeme’s accomplishments are extraordinary; from their enduring mission (To recognize the web as editor) to surviving an array of ‘Techmeme killers’ to creating a sustainable cashflow business model that hasn’t relied on outside…Phil Hayes-St ClairSep 13, 2015
Building The AirShr Team — An Interview With Al Pearce
Building The AirShr Team — An Interview With Al Pearce
Al Pearce is a former Australian Army and AirForce Officer who today consults to companies on operations leadership.Al Pearce is a former Australian Army and AirForce Officer who today consults to companies on operations leadership. Recently Al and I reflected about how I convinced each member of the team to join and help me build AirShr. It’s a great pleasure working with Opher, Gordon and Dollah each day. Thanks to Al for taking the time to explore more about AirShr’s exceptional talent. ¶ [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/221832383?secret_token=s-4WZ9g"Phil Hayes-St ClairSep 1, 2015
There’s Only One Question To Ask Founders
There’s Only One Question To Ask Founders
“How Can I Help?” ¶ This is the most productive question you can ask a founder (or intrapreneur) after meeting for the first time.“How Can I Help?” ¶ This is the most productive question you can ask a founder (or intrapreneur) after meeting for the first time. It’s the first question I ask after pleasantries are exchanged because I know how valuable a founder’s time is. ¶ Unfortunately the most common (albeit well-intentioned) question that founders get asked is, how’s it all going? Asking this question will almost certainly result in a founder thinking where do I begin and how much time have you got?Phil Hayes-St ClairAug 28, 2015
From Cold Call To Powerful Partnership
From Cold Call To Powerful Partnership
Very shortly radio listeners will start hearing presenters use the phrase “AirShr Now!”Very shortly radio listeners will start hearing presenters use the phrase “AirShr Now!” to save great radio moments including news, talk, offers and songs. It’s a milestone we’re extraordinarily excited about. In reflecting on the journey to arrive at this point, significant credit must be given to Grant Broadcasters, our first national broadcast partner, for the enthusiasm they have shared for our vision.Phil Hayes-St ClairAug 17, 2015
Introducing AirShr To Asia
Introducing AirShr To Asia
AirShr represented Australia at the Echelon Summit in Singapore in June and we were nominated as one of the top 10 ventures in Asia in 2015…AirShr represented Australia at the Echelon Summit in Singapore in June and we were nominated as one of the top 10 ventures in Asia in 2015. Here’s how I introduced AirShr to more than 2,500 technologists, media owners and journalists. ¶ [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEhZZxPI8q8[/embed]Phil Hayes-St ClairJun 30, 2015
Vale Matt Kappler.
Vale Matt Kappler.
Yesterday many began coming to terms with the sudden passing of Matt Kappler, a dear friend, Australian Army special forces veteran and an…Yesterday many began coming to terms with the sudden passing of Matt Kappler, a dear friend, Australian Army special forces veteran and an MBA Candidate at the Australian Graduate School of Management. ¶ I am saddened and shocked by Matt’s passing. ¶ For those who didn’t have the immense fortune to meet or know Matt, here is how I characterised a man from whom I learned much. ¶ Matt’s enthusiasm and ability to inspire greatness from others was unmistakable.Phil Hayes-St ClairJun 29, 2015
How To Avoid Jumping The Entrepreneurial Gun
How To Avoid Jumping The Entrepreneurial Gun
From over at the UNSW In The Now blog. ¶ What’s the first thing you need to do before starting a new entrepreneurial venture?From over at the UNSW In The Now blog. ¶ What’s the first thing you need to do before starting a new entrepreneurial venture? (Hint: it’s not setting up a company, finding a lawyer, or renting premises.) ¶ The correct answer is, of course, validating whether someone’s going to buy your product in the first place. Sounds obvious, right? Yet many bypass this step in favour of jumping straight to the bit where they give up their day job, spend a heap of cash, and enter into a higher risk…Phil Hayes-St ClairJun 8, 2015
Allyson Ballard On Why She Became An Entrepreneur
Allyson Ballard On Why She Became An Entrepreneur
I’ve known Allyson Ballard for over a decade. An accomplished Occupational Therapist and a maker at heart, she recently posted this short…I’ve known Allyson Ballard for over a decade. An accomplished Occupational Therapist and a maker at heart, she recently posted this short film explaining her decision to embrace entrepreneurship. If you’re contemplating life as a entrepreneur, invest the next five minutes learning about Allyson’s philosophy. ¶ [embed]http://youtu.be/GR3Eiltx2n0[/embed] ¶ Credit: Allyson BallardPhil Hayes-St ClairMay 30, 2015
Can You Hire A Co-Founder?
Can You Hire A Co-Founder?
The answer is yes and we did with our recent appointment of Gordon Childs to VP, Engineering.The answer is yes and we did with our recent appointment of Gordon Childs to VP, Engineering. ¶ The concept of hiring a co-founder may seem unintuitive because it’s generally accepted that founders start ventures. For the most part that’s true except for one important distinction which is based on a strongly-held philosophy of LinkedIn’s Reid Hoffman: Being a founder or co-founder is a state of mind, not a job description.Phil Hayes-St ClairMay 19, 2015
Why Your Brilliant Idea Is Nothing New
Why Your Brilliant Idea Is Nothing New
Newsflash for budding entrepreneurs who think their latest concept is truly unique: the original idea doesn’t exist.Newsflash for budding entrepreneurs who think their latest concept is truly unique: the original idea doesn’t exist. ¶ Everything has already been thought of by someone, somewhere. Search long and hard enough and you’ll eventually find ideas similar to yours. Maybe they even made it to market, maybe they didn’t; maybe they failed miserably — or perhaps they made a fortune. ¶ If you claim that no-one has ever had or tried to capitalise on your idea, you haven’t Google’d enough.Phil Hayes-St ClairMay 12, 2015
Five Questions Mahesh Muralidhar (CEO & Co-Founder @Ureferjobs) Asked Me To Answer.
Five Questions Mahesh Muralidhar (CEO & Co-Founder @Ureferjobs) Asked Me To Answer.
Mahesh Muralidhar and I share AGSM as our alma mater and recently met on a panel discussing ‘the leap into entrepreneurship’.Mahesh Muralidhar and I share AGSM as our alma mater and recently met on a panel discussing ‘the leap into entrepreneurship’. It was a Q&A session for AGSM alumni to ask interesting questions of four local founders. Afterwards we agreed to answer the same five questions to help build on the panel discussion. Mine are below and you can read Mahesh’s here. ¶ MM: How does being a “family man” impact you as an entrepreneur?Phil Hayes-St ClairApr 27, 2015
Everyone Knows What A Pivot Is, Right?
Everyone Knows What A Pivot Is, Right?
Recently I joined three founders and fellow business school alumni to talk to an audience about entrepreneurship.Recently I joined three founders and fellow business school alumni to talk to an audience about entrepreneurship. During the session we were asked how we think about ‘pivoting’ and how often it crosses our mind. This question piqued my interest for two reasons. Determining how and when (or even if it’s possible) to pivot is intriguing for the simple reason that it’s a deeply venture-specific decision and as a result it’s nearly impossible to apply the pivot logic of one venture to another…Phil Hayes-St ClairApr 20, 2015
It’s Time To Re-Imagine The Modern Veteran
It’s Time To Re-Imagine The Modern Veteran
The centenary of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landing on the beaches surrounding the Gallipoli peninsula will be…The centenary of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landing on the beaches surrounding the Gallipoli peninsula will be commemorated on 25 April. If ever there was a year to attend a dawn service 2015 is the year. ¶ This year there will be marches. There will be remembrance. There will be reflection on the immense impact this event had on the cultures of two great nations. ¶ Wherever you are this ANZAC Day listen carefully to the historic narrative and pay equal attention to the…Phil Hayes-St ClairApr 6, 2015