Brief Response Management

A framework for how successful entrepreneurs manage multiple ventures simultaneously through delegation and minimal communication overhead.

Core Management Philosophy

• Hire capable people to run operations
• Use minimal communication/oversight
• Trust delegates to handle day-to-day decisions
• Focus on high-level direction rather than details

Email Communication Style

• Successful busy leaders use extremely brief responses
• Responses often look like text messages
• Examples of typical replies:
  • "ok cool"
  • "up 2 u"
  • "all good"

Delegation Structure

• Each venture has dedicated leadership
  • Example: Station F run by former Google executive
  • Investment funds managed by dedicated fund managers
• Clear autonomy given to leaders
• Minimal board meetings or formal oversight
• Leaders empowered to make decisions independently

Investment Philosophy Example (Xavier Niel)

• Focus on quantity over concentrated bets
• Goal is to support more companies rather than maximize returns
• When fund manager suggested concentrating investments:
  • Response: "I'm not doing this to make more money"
  • Directive: Continue investing in new small companies

Key Success Factors

• Finding trustworthy, competent leaders
• Giving real autonomy to those leaders
• Maintaining minimal but clear communication
• Having clear high-level vision while delegating details
• Building trust-based relationships with delegates

This system allows entrepreneurs to scale their impact across multiple ventures while maintaining focus and avoiding micromanagement.