Dunbar

In the 1980s, Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, became the world’s richest man by outthinking and outpacing his competition. Starting with a single store in Arkansas, Walton flipped the retail script by targeting rural areas that other retailers ignored. Walton’s relentless focus on efficiency set him apart. He pioneered the hub-and-spoke distribution system, centralizing warehouses to restock stores faster and at lower costs. Innovations like company-owned trucking fleets, and early adoption of barcoding and satellite tracking gave Walmart an edge, enabling razor-thin margins competitors couldn’t match. However, Walton knew systems alone weren’t enough. He invested heavily in his people, calling them “associates” and offering profit-sharing plans and stock options long before they were common. Walton believed in empowering his workforce, famously saying, “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” #148words

Ludwig van Beethoven faced an unimaginable challenge for a composer: he was almost completely deaf while composing his Ninth Symphony. Unable to hear, Beethoven pressed his ear to the piano or held a wooden stick between his teeth to feel vibrations. His determination is summed up in his words: “I will seize Fate by the throat; it shall never wholly overcome me.” Even more critically, he relied on trusted collaborators — musicians and friends who became his ears, describing how his compositions sounded and helping him refine them. For the Ninth Symphony’s iconic “Ode to Joy,” Beethoven entrusted others to bring his vision to life, unable to hear a single note. At its premiere, he stood on stage, oblivious to the applause until a musician turned him to see the audience’s ovation. Beethoven’s story reminds us that collaboration and perseverance can transform even the greatest challenges into timeless masterpieces. #148words

Since its March 2024 IPO, priced at $34 per share, Reddit, Inc.’s stock has soared to over $134. This reflects the market’s recognition of the immense value in communities bound by shared interests and goals. Reddit’s skyrocketing market capitalization highlights the transformative power of purpose-driven communities. Central to this is Reddit's dedication to fostering spaces where users connect over shared passions, sparking meaningful exchanges and collective growth. In an interview at Yale School of Management, Reddit’s COO, Jen L. Wong — a fellow Yale alum — captured the platform’s essence: “Our users are very invested in Reddit. They are super passionate about their communities. It’s really about people trying to share their knowledge and help other people.” This isn’t just a financial success — it’s a call to action. Are you part of a community driving toward a shared aspiration? At Dunbar, we believe that harnessing these connections will lead to extraordinary outcomes. #148words

As Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in World War II, General Dwight Eisenhower faced an extraordinary challenge: uniting British, American, and Canadian forces for the D-Day invasion. Success required not just strategy but collaboration on an unprecedented scale. Eisenhower’s approach was rooted in listening. Before D-Day, he convened a wide range of voices — officers, strategists, and even meteorologists. He encouraged open debate, resolved conflicts between leaders like Omar Bradley and Bernard Montgomery, and built trust among his team. This process wasn’t just about gathering input; it was about creating ownership in the mission. When uncertain weather loomed, Eisenhower made the call to proceed, taking full responsibility. In a note drafted before the invasion, he wrote: “If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt, it is mine alone.” His humility and accountability inspired his team to act with confidence, leading to one of history’s most pivotal victories. #148words

Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA’s founder, famously said, “To design a desk which may cost $1,000 is easy for a furniture designer, but to design a functional and good desk which shall cost only $50 can only be done by the very best.” This challenge ignited a revolution in furniture design. The L?VET table, with its iconic leaf-like shape, was originally sold fully assembled. During a 1956 photo shoot, an IKEA employee transporting it in his car had to remove its legs to make it fit. This workaround revealed a design flaw — but also inspired Kamprad’s flat-pack concept. The result? Drastically reduced production and shipping costs and a redefined industry. This innovation catapulted IKEA to become the world’s largest furniture retailer and, amusingly, the world’s sixth-largest food chain. As Kamprad said, “Only those who are asleep make no mistakes,” a philosophy that led IKEA to view flaws as extraordinary opportunities. #148words

CVX Ventures Facilitates the Appointment of Dunbar's New Advisors When Dunbar presented to the CVX community, the response was overwhelming. Many of our partners recognized the platform’s potential and expressed interest in getting involved. We were excited to help connect Dunbar with some of these partners, which led to the appointment of their new advisors. We are pleased to announce that Dunbar has officially welcomed four CVX partners: Mads Hein, Sonia Glubisz Crifling, Brian S?gaard, and Brian Hansen. Dunbar’s platform focuses on microlearning, offering quick, effective lessons designed to seamlessly fit into daily routines. As they prepare for their official launch in early 2025, we are proud to be part of their journey. Congratulations to everyone involved, especially Markus Moberg and the rest of the Dunbar team. We’re excited to see Dunbar continue to grow and make a lasting impact on corporate training. ???Read the full article?linked in the comments to learn more about how CVX helped Dunbar expand. Are you looking for advisors for your company? Connect with Oscar Thybo on LinkedIn or email him at?[email protected]?to learn more about how we support startups here at CVX.

In his essay “A Project of One’s Own,” Paul Graham reflects on how meaningful work often begins with an individual’s effort and expands into something greater. This resonates with my journey with Dunbar, which started as a personal idea and evolved into a collaborative mission. Graham notes, “Collaboration is powerful...?The optimal organization would combine collaboration and ownership in such a way as to do the least damage to each.” He highlights how solo efforts can scale while preserving their original vision. Valuable projects, he explains, attract collaborators naturally, as people join not out of obligation but because they see potential. For anyone considering an idea or startup, Graham’s essay reminds us that you don’t need all the answers at the outset. Big ventures often start with one person and a clear vision. Others will join when they see something compelling. Begin confidently — collaboration and growth will follow. #148words

When OpenAI’s board abruptly ousted CEO Sam Altman in November 2023, chaos erupted. Citing vague concerns about his communication style, the decision blindsided employees, sparking a revolt. Over 700 staff members — nearly the entire workforce — signed a letter demanding Altman’s reinstatement, warning, “Sam is the best leader for OpenAI.” The revolt exposed sharp divides within the world’s most influential AI organization. Microsoft seized the moment. CEO Satya Nadella announced Altman would lead a new AI research division under Microsoft’s banner, calling it “an exciting opportunity to deepen our partnership.” The bold play piled pressure on OpenAI’s board, already reeling from threats of mass resignations. Intense negotiations ultimately reinstated Altman, highlighting a hard truth for organizations navigating crises: transparency and open communication aren’t just ideals — they’re the foundation of trust, and without trust, even the brightest missions can falter. What have you done to strengthen trust in your organization? #148words

In the mid-1990s, NVIDIA faced a critical juncture. The company's first graphics accelerator failed commercially, and a deal with SEGA to develop a GPU for its Dreamcast console collapsed due to technical disagreements. Left in financial peril, CEO Jensen Huang made a desperate move, approaching Sega of America, Inc. Shoichiro Irimajiri for assistance. “I was embarrassed to ask,” said Huang. Yet Irimajiri, seeing Nvidia's potential, approved a $5 million investment. “His understanding and generosity gave us six months to live,” Huang later recalled. “Confronting our mistake — and, with humility, asking for help — saved Nvidia.” That lifeline spurred Nvidia’s recovery. In 1997, the company launched the RIVA 128 chip, a groundbreaking product that redefined graphics performance and cemented its place as a leader in the industry. Nvidia’s story is a testament to resilience, humility, and finding the right ally at the right time. Even the most successful don’t go it alone. #148words

Sir Ernest Shackleton led his crew into Antarctica, united by a singular goal: to push the boundaries of exploration. When the Endurance was crushed by ice, their mission shifted to survival. Over months in the world’s harshest environment, Shackleton’s team demonstrated the extraordinary power of a small, focused group with a shared purpose. The crew’s clarity of mission forged unity and resolve amidst adversity. Shackleton knew his men’s strengths and limits, fostering trust and camaraderie. By ensuring each member played a vital role, he kept them motivated and resilient, transforming a disaster into one of history’s greatest survival stories. As the group rowed through icy seas or trekked across frozen terrain, Shackleton’s leadership brought out the best in each individual. In his words, “Through endurance, we conquer.” His story reminds us that true strength lies not in avoiding hardship but in the collective effort to rise above it. #148words