The Great Resignation is turning into the Great Stay
Welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview with Richard Moran, a remarkable individual who has carved a unique path in the realms of business, venture capital, and authorship. As the founder of Tonic BioVentures, Moran has not only demonstrated his entrepreneurial prowess but also his ability to navigate the dynamic world of healthcare.
With a diverse background as a CEO, college president, venture capitalist, and Partner at Accenture, Moran stands as a true set of one—a distinction that showcases his exceptional expertise and experience.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Moran has also authored ten books, all aimed at demystifying complex business issues and offering practical insights. His latest book, “Never Say Whatever: How Small Decisions Make a Big Difference,” explores the significance of decision-making and the impact it can have on both personal and professional spheres.
Join us as we uncover Moran’s invaluable insights and gain inspiration from his extraordinary journey through the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Richard Moran: I am a set of one. A headhunter called me recently and said, “Out of the ten million people in our database, you are the only one who has been a CEO, a college president, a venture capitalist and a Partner at Accenture. You are a set of one.
In my spare time, I have written ten books with a theme of making business issues less complicated. I am now back in venture capital with a focus on healthcare.
In the past year, what is the greatest business achievement you’d like to celebrate with your team? Please share the details of that success.
Richard Moran: Completing the book “Never Say Whatever” was a big achievement. In it I captured insights from leaders about how they make decisions through interviews. So In effect, it was a team effort. Everyone who participated loves the book.
the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are you adapting to the current shift we see?
Richard Moran: The Great Resignation is turning into the Great Stay. As hiring has slowed so has mobility. I believe tenure in a position is good.
You don’t have to stay for a lifetime but one does need to stay long enough to understand more about organizations and where one might fit. I believe everyone at work wants to know 3 things:
- What’s my job?
- How am I doing?
- How does my effort fit into the broader set of things? The mission.
Organizations wrestle with these questions and if they are not answered, people will leave. The supervisor (the boss) plays a key role here. An effective boss is the best way to keep people happy.
Here is a two-fold question: What is the book that influenced you the most and how? Please share some life lessons you learned. Now what book have you gifted the most and why?
Richard Moran: Any one who writes business books, like me, is asked the same questions that go something like this: “What is your favorite business book?” “Which business book influenced you the most?”
Since it seems hundreds of business books are written each week, and many of them are quite good, it is hard to discern. Since I write business books and here is my idea of the three best business books ever written and everyone can have their own list:
- 1. The book that saved your career. You know the one, you needed an answer quickly and there was that one book that had just the right answer at just the right time.
- 2. The book that is a constant reference. It’s the book that might have lots of dog eared pages from constant use. It reminds you of the difference between a Gantt chart and a Venn diagram.
- 3. The book that provides comfort. It’s the book that tells you that you are doing the right thing.
Business books don’t need to be complicated. Just helpful.
Christopher Hitchens, an American journalist, is quoted as saying that “everyone has a book in them” Have you written a book? If so, please share with us details about it. If you haven’t, what book would you like to write and how would you like it to benefit the readers?
Richard Moran: My ten books are all about simplifying business and to “stop doing stupid things”. My first book, “Never Confuse A Memo With Reality” was a national bestseller so I have continued to write.
My latest book is “Never Say Whatever, How Small Decisions Make A Big Difference”, 2023. The book explores all the reasons why we don’t make decisions and sheds light on the reasons why we should. The book is simple, direct, funny and prescriptive.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Richard Moran: Running a company requires the ability to listen intently. Listening skills are underestimated. Without the ability to listen and truly hear, it is difficult to plan or make good decisions. Listening also allows one to include all the constituents in a complex organization.
As a CEO working with ten offices in ten different cities I had to listen and understand the unique characteristics of each location. I had started out trying to make a “one firm firm” but based on my listening I knew that wouldn’t work. The different locations were more productive knowing that management was truly listening.
Quesiton On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Richard Moran: My super power would be the ability to predict the future. Today there are so many variables and changes that can influence markets and success.
Everyone is expecting great disruption because of artificial intelligence and I would love to know how that will impact the workplace. I want a magic ball that will tell me what the future will hold.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Richard Moran for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Richard Moran or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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