Ben is away, so Derrick invited a special guest for this episode. Rob Walling was the co-founder of Drip and is the co-host of MicroConf. Rob recently removed Slack from his phone, and is waiting for Derrick’s Level product.

Level is an open source team communication tool that Derrick hopes will replace Slack among software teams. Others are looking forward to Level, as well, and wondering how many clients Level is going to be available on: Mobile, desktop...As Derrick continues to work on Level, the two also reminisce about their days together at Drip.

Today’s Topics Include:

Derrick is planning to use Electron to build a desktop app for Level
Some follow a pure approach and go native, but it can be more difficult than expected
Bursting and psychological safety concepts allow people to express their ideas
What if? Be creative as a team, encourage everyone to collaborate, and make the environment comfortable for magic to happen
Individual vs. group brainstorming: Which works better? How do other companies do it?
Derrick plans to show polished, not raw sketches of Level to make it reviewable
Derrick has been building the product, writing code, nuking the database, and creating videos to show slices of Level being made
Derrick used Stripe Atlas to form an LLC for Level
Stripe is inspiring; believe that you can transition an industry, make things happen, and win the hearts and minds of developers
Derrick and Rob discuss the pros/cons of fundstrapping vs. bootstrapping
Rob shares feedback and reviews from listeners of his podcast
Rob and Derrick share their thoughts on cryptocurrency investing

If you’re enjoying the show please give us your ratings and reviews in iTunes.

Links and resources:

Rob Walling on Twitter
Startups for the Rest of Us
Derrick Reimer Website
Derrick Reimer on Twitter
MicroConf
Ben Orenstein Website
Ben Orenstein on Twitter
Electron
PhoneGap
Twist
WorkLife podcast
Gusto
Zenefits
The Pixar Touch
Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin

42: Fostering a Culture of Creativity with Rob Walling 01:00:36 Share

The Art of Product

Shownotes Transcript

42: Fostering a Culture of Creativity with Rob Walling