I once wrote a 400-page novel and never published it. But whenever I’m feeling stuck, I use the same tools. I write down different endings and create outlines for getting there. Company-building is a creative effort. Maybe the Lit degree had a purpose.

Really excited about this partnership. Lots of cool things coming up...

As we scale, I really, really try to stay connected with the whole company on a human level. I want everyone to know what I’m worried about, excited about, and who I really am. And I want to create a space where they can do the same. It's hard work, but important. Candor stays.

We raised another $40M! Really excited to announce this Series B. Still only the beginning. Thank you to everyone who believed.

Side hustle appreciation post. My first side hustle was burning CDs off of Napster and selling them in middle school for $5. I've had one ever since. What's your side hustle?

A reminder to take big chances on people. A former Uber driver can be amazing at sales. A high school counsellor can do wonders for your services team. I know this because we hired them (and others, too) at Tropic

Every time we raise a round of funding, I rewrite my job description. I think about: 1) What I need to stop doing 2) What I need to start doing 3) The main value I should be driving

Being an effective leader is a lot like _____. (Give me your best metaphor) I’ll go first: Being an effective leader is a lot like playing in a band. There’s structure in place, but everyone knows when it’s time for them to solo.

When you’re onboarding new employees, think about how you want them to feel, not just what you want them to know. How does your company make sure new employees feel connected and supported?

This May, I get to become a parent. It’s a job I’ve never had before, but there are two things I already know for sure. First, I’m taking four weeks of parental leave. Second: After leave, I’m spending mornings and evenings with my baby. Even if I have to miss some meetings.

Feedback comes from people who want you to succeed. Criticism is thrown at you by people who want you to fail. The farther you get in your career, the more important it becomes to know the difference.

Want clearer decision making? Pay more attention to your messaging strategy. Everything we do at Tropic starts with a strategic narrative and flows outward from there. It avoids a whole lot of toe stepping, duplicative work and arguments, too.

Our #CEO @David_tropic explains in @ProcureFoundry how effective #procurement can impact your top-line: bit.ly/36Lm0Lk

“What would it look like to address this problem?” → That question is often the difference between getting great upward feedback and feedback that’s only focused on what’s wrong (and isn’t actionable).

Celebrate great ideas. No matter where they come from. If you’re in a leadership position, don’t just celebrate them. Empower the person who came up with the idea to own it and make it a reality. Especially in the startup world, career growth often depends on it.

Would you give advice to the CEO your first week on the job? Or even your first few months? It happens at Tropic all the time and it’s one of the best signs that we’re building an open, candid culture.

The days of DIY software #procurement may be coming to an end, writes our CEO @David_Tropic in his Forbes debut. bit.ly/3ke0F0n #SaaS

Shared thoughts in Forbes on why I don't think DIY procurement can work for software purchasing.

I have a five-minute rule for emails. I also have a no-draft policy. I set a timer, I write, I send (sometimes with typos). Early in my career, I spent 30 minutes writing the perfect email and 30 minutes feeling anxious before sending. No email is worth that hour.

Right-size your tech stack to withstand the downturn tcrn.ch/3HTr12M by @tropicapp