What really separates great founders from the rest?

In today's episode, taken from Chapter 2 of Epic Execution, David breaks down the six core traits he’s seen time and again in the most successful founders: growth mindset, ambition, obsession, curiosity, work ethic, and conviction

David and Mike dive deep into what it really takes to lead a startup through uncertainty, build trust through execution, and drive relentless progress — even when the odds are stacked against you.

Top 5 Takeaways for Founders:

1. The Six Traits That Matter Most

   Successful founders consistently demonstrate a growth mindset, ambition, obsession, curiosity, work ethic, and conviction, and these can all be developed.

2. Execution > Ideas

   Customers, teams, and investors trust execution. It’s not about what you plan to do, it’s what you actually ship and learn from.

3. Learning Is Your Superpower

   In the early stages, your ability to learn faster than competitors and alongside your customers is your most important metric.

4. Conviction Needs Self-Awareness

   Strong beliefs drive progress, but great founders know when to question their own assumptions and adapt based on evidence.

5. Discipline Builds Momentum

   Saying no to distractions and staying customer-focused helps you build the right product, not just a busy roadmap.

Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators seeking to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it effectively. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement.

Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with CEOs who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. We dive deep, asking the hard-hitting questions that unlock the secrets behind explosive growth, effective team leadership, strategic capital management, and groundbreaking product development. Each episode features actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential.