Investing in an Open Door Policy

Life is full. Mostly, we get to choose what big blocks we put into it, even if the details shift and change moment to moment.

At a recent young investor dinner, the conversation reminded me how the elements that we pack into our days jostle for our brain-space—whether boot camps or strategic prospecting for corporate M&A or kids’ birthday parties. That group of exceptionally bright and driven and understated people talked about how they consistently make time for the things and people they value, despite the ever-present trade-offs. They show up, show up, show up, and in a case of doubt, they show up.

When the conversation turned to the seemingly endless stream of one-off meetings we all squeeze in alongside term sheets and pitches and birthday cake, it didn’t surprise me that some of us sighed before we launched into a pros and cons list.
That back and forth fits into an ongoing debate about time-management (#lifehacking) vs. accessibility of notoriously aloof investors. Discerning what’s worth the time requires a special ruthlessness that’s tough for people like me who generate energy from being with other humans. Cutting conference calls, focusing email time, doing after-work burpees and sleeping enough all require telling someone “no, thank you.” Having the chutzpah to decline for the sake of your health is generally a good thing, but when we’re talking about synchronicity and community building, I draw another line.

Read how I make this work for me in ExitEvent.