Monthly Archives: June 2010

Being A Purpose Maximizer, Not Just a Profit Maximzer

Posted on June 30, 2010 by Richard Piotrowski, CFA

I first saw this video about a month ago. The moral of the story here is that organizations need to treat people like people, not just horses.  The best organizations are those that have a transcendent purpose, and provide their … Continue reading →

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The Company Culture of Talking Behind Employee’s Backs

Posted on June 27, 2010 by Richard Piotrowski, CFA

This is among the most malodorous and insidious methods of destroying a company’s culture.  The rumor mill among employees can be nasty, but when executive management practice it, and live by it, a company’s culture will be completely and absolutely … Continue reading →

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The Irrelevance of Stock Certificates for Startups

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Richard Piotrowski, CFA

One of the more interesting “moments” for an entrepreneur is receiving your startup incorporation package from your lawyers.  In addition to the incorporation docs, you receive blank stock certificates. When I received my package, I was reminded of the moments … Continue reading →

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When Does A CFO Know It’s Time to Leave?

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Richard Piotrowski, CFA

As a former Wall St. analyst who regularly ripped apart financial statements of public companies, and as a former CFO of a startup technology company, who had to scramble to make payroll every two weeks, there is a limit.  To … Continue reading →

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Austin Angel Investors, Come Back to the Center!

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Richard Piotrowski, CFA

A couple of weeks ago, a local writer penned a blogpost entitled “Where Art Thou, Austin Investors?”  The basic premise of Carla Thompson’s piece was that despite the entrepreneurial activity in Austin, few of these companies are getting funded.  She … Continue reading →

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