My Guest
Blake Allsmith is an entrepreneur, two-time exited CEO, advisor, and angel investor—as well as a husband to one and father to seven. He previously led Cladwell, a venture-backed software company sold in 2019, and founded Allsmith Growth, a marketing agency that served more than 200 clients. His experience spans building businesses, leading teams, and helping founders navigate the challenges of growth.
Blake works with founders and CEOs on marketing, product direction, fundraising, and execution. He mentors entrepreneurs through Techstars and 500 Startups and participates in angel investing through Hustle Fund’s Angel Squad. He also shares practical frameworks for business and family life through a newsletter read by more than 15,000 subscribers.
Alongside his wife, Chandler, Blake co-authored The Family Framework: Essential Habits to Create Order, Joy, and Deep Connections at Home. Drawing on their experience building businesses and raising seven children, the book explores how familiar business practices—including shared missions, clear responsibilities, weekly meetings, and annual planning—can help families communicate better, reduce everyday friction, and make more time for meaningful connection.
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How to Apply Business Tools and Frameworks to Improve Your Personal Life – In The Trenches
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Episode Summary with Timestamps
- 00:00 Introduction
- 03:39 Blake’s Career Journey and Entrepreneurial Transitions
- 12:45 Deciding to Leave a Lucrative Hedge Fund Job for Entrepreneurship
- 16:14 Risk Tolerance and Family Impact
- 21:13 Lessons from Business Sales and Hiring Former Founders
- 26:15 Applying Commercial Frameworks to Personal Life
- 30:43 Family Values and Culture Building
- 36:02 Creating and Maintaining Family Core Values
- 47:46 Handling Disagreements and Conflict Resolution
- 55:09 Family Mission and Vision Statements
- 58:32 Operationalizing Mission and Vision in Daily Life
- 01:02:17 Family Meeting Cadences and Problem Solving
- 01:06:08 Addressing Objections and Misconceptions
- 01:13:16 Decision-Making and Leadership in Family
- 01:16:56 Balancing Responsibility and Identity in Family Roles
- 01:17:07 Most Valuable Lessons Learned Recently
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