Irrationality: The Modern Founder’s Superpower with Founder of Cocoa, Carmen Alfonso Rico #134
Irrational obsession is the most rational investment strategy that exists.
For those with a passion, and who believe the world is theirs to earn, you’ve a like-minded soul in Carmen Alfonso Rico, an angel investor actively seeking Founders with more than a mere passion.
Discover what sets Founders apart, the mindset systems behind how Carmen operates, and how to rewrite the playbook on early stage investing…
Lee and Carmen discuss:
Obsession as a Founder's superpower
Irrational, passionate commitment being more valuable than rational decision-making
Recognising the patterns in startups
Cultural differences in risk-taking between territories
Founders’ need for deep self-awareness, responsibility for mistakes, and a relentless commitment to personal and professional growth
The novels that have helped to develop empathy, a crucial skill for understanding founders
Links & references
Carmen Alfonso Rico:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/calfonsorico/
Cocoa:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/calfonsorico/
Articles mentioned:
https://paulgraham.com/greatwork.html
Extrology:
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Episode highlights:
“I always say that Cocoa is both the joy of my life and the hardest thing I've ever done.” - 3:25 - Carmen Alfonso Rico
“I call Founders ‘killers with a heart’ - every time I back a company, I am betting that these founders are killers with a heart.” - 6:10 - Carmen Alfonso Rico
“I grew up thinking that I wasn't entitled to anything, per se, but that anything I worked for was for me to take.” - 14:15 - Carmen Alfonso Rico
“I don't need founders to know all the challenges they're going to face, but I do need them to be able to overcome them when they come, because they're going to come.” - 33:50 - Carmen Alfonso Rico
“I can only work with growers, because one of the reasons I've seen companies not working is because the founders didn't grow at the speed that the business required them to grow.” - 47:10 - Carmen Alfonso Rico
“I always ask the founders, what in the world has changed for this to be an opportunity now, and not five years ago and not five years from now.” - 55:55 - Carmen Alfonso Rico
“More things happen in the world when you think everything is possible, and you’re willing to set money on fire for it.” - 1:04:10 - Carmen Alfonso Rico
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/