#327 Dean Croshere’s Assertive Approach to Startup Success: Facing Fears and Forging Ahead

In this episode of the CTO show with host Mehmet, Dean Croshere shares his unique professional journey, underscoring the importance of assertiveness and emotional awareness in leadership and business. From starting his career through a Facebook ad to running a factory in Thailand and eventually pivoting his career towards business and leadership consultancy, Dean's story highlights the significance of asking effective questions, both of oneself and others, to achieve success. The discussion delves into the five core fears that can hinder startups and how entrepreneurs can navigate these challenges, emphasizing product simplicity, testing, and the willingness to ask for help. Dean and Mehmet further explore the concept of leading from desire, the impact of attachment theory in business, and maintaining flexibility in a company's value systems. Dean concludes with advice for entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of understanding one's desires and ambitions. The episode also touches on Dean's current venture in carbon credit validation and his interest in discussing the interplay between emotions, assertiveness, and business theories. More about Dean: Dean Croshere is an established leader having worked predominantly in the start-up and entrepreneurial space with a career that spans various industries. Dean is now the COO for Geocene, a company which recently made a massive pivot to addressing not only the world’s biggest health crisis but also climate change. They want a world where everyone has access to clean and affordable cookstoves. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-croshere http://www.geocene.com 00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show with Special Guest Dean 01:10 Dean's Unique Journey from Business to Assertiveness 04:30 Navigating the Challenges of Startups and Entrepreneurship 05:35 The Five Core Fears in Business and Overcoming Them 14:59 Assertiveness, Communication, and Leading with Desire 24:42 Attachment Theory in Business Relationships 29:00 Maintaining Culture and Values in Startups 32:40 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs 33:59 Closing Remarks and How to Connect with Dean