The document provides advice on how to safely accomplish big ambitious goals based on the author's experience climbing mountains and starting companies. It outlines 7 ways to minimize risk: 1) bring the right tools and skills, 2) pick a suitable objective, 3) work with an awesome team, 4) work hard, 5) manage risks, 6) master your own mind, and 7) realize it's not about the destination. The author hopes this advice is helpful for others chasing their dreams.

1. Mountains and Startups:
Don’t die along the journey…
Ben Werner

2. GOAL OF TODAY’S TALK
• Give you some perspective on how to go about
(safely) tackling a big, ambitious goal.
• Life is short.
• …but dying along the way makes it shorter!

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7. A BIG GOAL I SAFELY ACCOMPLISHED
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"One guidebook that we’re super
stoked about is Ben Werner’s
Backcountry Skiing Bozeman and
Big Sky. This expanded 2nd
edition print was just released in
2015 and it rocks.”
- A Mountain Journey

8. THE NEXT BIG GOAL I PICKED
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9. LINKED-IN

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12. (SOME) PROGRESS
12Confidential

13. (SOME) PROGRESS!
• 3 full time, 2 part time folks on the team.
• MVP shipped: Simple one-q web surveys.
• Vision: Real-time CX measurement.
• Close to closing on our $375k seed round!
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14. 7 Ways Not To Die*
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*To minimize your risk of dying. Actually we all die, so it’s really just 7 ways to reduce the likelihood of ending things early while still
getting to do awesome things. I felt like I should put a disclaimer here, so please don’t make financial decisions or operate heavy
machinery while under the influence of this presentation.

15. THE 7 WAYS
1. Bring the right tools (and skills)
2. Pick a suitable objective
3. Be part of an awesome team
4. Work your butt off
5. Manage the risk
6. Master your own mind
7. Realize it is not about the destination
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16. #1: Bring the right tools (and skills)
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17. Photo courtesy of mountainonline.com

18. #2: Pick a suitable objective
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23. #3: Be part of an awesome team
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24. Photo courtesy of Adam Knoff

27. #4: Work your butt off
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28. Hard work
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30. #5: Manage the risk
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35. #6: Master your own mind
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36. Photo courtesy of CMH heli-skiing

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40. #7: Realize it is not about the destination
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44. Closing
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45. Closing
• I don’t know what the future holds, for you or for
me.
• I do know that I am doing my best to chase my
dreams, and am personally inspired by others
who are chasing theirs.
• If I can help by giving you “beta” for your journey,
let me know!

46. Contact Info
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