Systematic Learning Unlocks Personal Productivity - A Conversation with A16Z Founder Marc Andreessen

Marc Andreessen is the co-founder of the famous venture capital firm A16Z and one of the founders of the internet browser pioneer Netscape. He has a profound influence in both the technology and investment fields. This article features an in-depth conversation between Marc and A16Z partner Sriram Krishna, sharing Marc's insights on personal productivity, time management, learning methods, and more.

About Personal Productivity

Marc stated that he has now adopted a structured scheduling system, which is completely different from more than a decade ago. He strictly follows the schedule every day and plans on a weekly basis. Mondays and Fridays are usually team collaboration days, while the other times are flexibly arranged for external meetings and so on.

He believes that venture capital is a "frontline" job that cannot be separated from daily affairs. It requires timely responses to emails and phone calls, as well as close contact with market dynamics. Therefore, a structured working method is very necessary.

Marc emphasizes that scheduling free time in the agenda is important, as it acts like a pressure release valve. As long as there is enough time to rest, one can work hard for a long time.

About Open Time and Delegation

Marc believes that executives with packed schedules often face three problems: a lack of time to think, difficulty adapting to changes, and becoming bottlenecks in the organization.

The management approach he adopts is not to directly manage anyone, but to select outstanding talents to manage the team. He will identify the direct responsible individual for each project (DRI), and then regularly check in to understand the progress.

About Goals and Systems

Marc stated that he does not engage in regular long-term planning, but instead reflects on his system approximately every six months to reassess whether it is overloaded. He will revise his personal plans and goals each year.

He emphasized that the establishment of the company is for the purpose of achieving the goals he wants to achieve. So the answer is always the same - how to optimize the company and one's own work.

About the Process, Results, and Stakes

Marc believes that venture capital takes a long time to see results, so they mainly focus on investment and process, rather than short-term outcomes.

He likens venture capital to poker, requiring a separation of process and outcome. They focus on optimizing the process, such as how best to assist entrepreneurs, manage teams, etc.

Marc stated that he does not have a gambling gene and does not derive pleasure from bets and outcomes. Their company also does not excessively celebrate success or become excited due to actual profits.

About Books and Reading

Marc has always maintained a habit of extensive reading. He adopts a "barbell" reading strategy - either reading the latest works or the classics, eliminating the middle ground.

He reads a dozen books at the same time, only reading the most interesting parts. If a book is not finished after a month, it may be a signal to get rid of it.

Marc says he rarely rereads but takes a lot of notes. He believes that taking notes itself is a double reinforcement of memory.

About Learning and Changing Perspectives

Marc believes that most people hate being told they are wrong. However, there is indeed a group of people who enjoy changing their minds, such as excellent hedge fund managers.

He works hard to reduce the time spent arguing with others, as people are often unwilling to change their minds. But he hopes to be open-minded like a hedge fund manager.

Marc advocates the concept of "strong opinions, weakly held" - expressing strong opinions while being open to differing views.

About Progress and Drive

Marc believes that continuous effort is needed to understand what is actually happening and to maintain an open attitude towards new things. He believes that technology is the greatest driving force behind the progress of the world.

Reading about new topics in technology is what Marc finds most interesting, useful, and beneficial. He believes that technology can create a better future and improve everyone's life.