Episode 3: Jim Estill - a podcast by Ilan Jacobson

Today’s guest is Jim Estill. Jim is the president and CEO of Danby Products. Jim has invested in over 150 startups. He’s also known for his philanthropy, and particularly for being a well-known advocate during the Syrian refugee crisis. In today’s episode, you’ll learn more about Jim’s background and what drives him. Listen in to hear what Jim has to say about how he became an entrepreneur, how his thinking about leadership has shifted, and why philanthropy is so important to him.

Topics Discussed in This Episode 

• Jim’s background


• Jim’s first foray into entrepreneurship


• The power of momentum


• How Jim built his business


• Why some people can see opportunity while others don’t


• Patterns of leaders that lead to success


• Jim’s philosophy about teams


• Creating environments that encourage candid feedback


• The pros and cons of ego


• Shifts in Jim’s thinking about leadership


• The things you need to stop doing as you grow


• The value of AQ, IQ, and EQ


• Why Jim bought Danby


• The importance of the why


• Why philanthropy is important to Jim


• The secret to happiness


• Jim’s goals


• Three lessons for entrepreneurs

Related Links 

Jim Estill

Quotes From the Show

 “It’s just a very simple rule. Leave the room a little neater than when you came in.”

 “In the computer business, you do market research for a year, you’re going to be buying ten-megabyte hard drives.”

 “Your job is to take average people and make them above average.”

Further episodes of A Dealmaker

Further podcasts by Ilan Jacobson

Website of Ilan Jacobson