Pre-Post Fall Framework

A framework for understanding how significant life challenges fundamentally change people and their approach to life/business.

What is "The Fall"

  • A pseudo-biblical concept where someone has been "brought to their knees" by life events
  • Examples of falls:
    • Death of loved ones
    • Major breakups
    • Health scares
    • Bankruptcy
    • Other deeply humbling experiences

Impact of The Fall

  • Creates a fundamental change in someone for the rest of their life
  • Happens randomly at different times for different people
  • Makes people more resilient to future challenges
  • Changes how they process and react to difficulties
  • Can be observed "in their eyes" - shows they've been through worse

Pre-Fall vs Post-Fall Characteristics

Pre-Fall:

  • Haven't experienced major setbacks
  • May be successful but lack deeper perspective
  • Potential liability in partnerships/relationships
  • More likely to "blow up" when things go wrong
  • Can be successful but riskier to work with

Post-Fall:

  • More grounded perspective on life/business
  • Better equipped to handle setbacks
  • Less likely to be shaken by challenges
  • More resilient in face of adversity
  • Like veterans who've seen combat - harder to rattle

Business Implications

  • Important consideration when evaluating partners/employees
  • Can indicate how someone might handle future challenges
  • Relevant for assessing risk in business relationships
  • Being "pre-fall" while successful can be a liability
  • Post-fall individuals typically make more stable partners
26:17 - 27:10
Full video: 54:46
JG

Jeremy Giffon

First employee and general partner at Tiny, a private equity firm acquiring internet and technology businesses. Part of the founding team of MediaCore, later acquired by Workday. Specializes in identifying esoteric opportunities and navigating misaligned incentives in private markets.

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