Tony Fadell, sometimes called "the father of the iPod," is an active investor and entrepreneur with a 30+ year history of founding companies and designing products that profoundly improve people's lives. As the Principal at Future Shape, a global investment and advisory firm coaching engineers and scientists working on foundational deep technology, he is continuing to help bring technology out of the lab and into our lives. Currently, Future Shape is coaching 200+ startups innovating game-changing technologies. Tony founded Nest Labs, Inc. in 2010 and served as its Chief Executive Officer until his resignation in 2016. He joined Apple Computer Inc. in 2001 and, as the SVP of Apple's iPod division, led the team that created the first 18 generations of the iPod and the first three generations of the iPhone. Tony founded the Mobile Computing Group at Philips Electronics and served as its Chief Technology Officer and Director of Engineering 1995 to 1998, responsible for all aspects of business and product development, including the award-winning Philips Velo and Nino PDAs. From 1998 to 1999, he served as Vice President for Philips Strategy & Venture focused on building out its digital media strategy and investment portfolio. From 1992 to 1995, he served as a Hardware and Software Architect at General Magic, which created the precursor to the iPhone 15 years earlier. Tony has filed more than 300 patents for his work. In May 2016, Time named the Nest Learning Thermostat, the iPod, and the iPhone three of the "50 Most Influential Gadgets of All Time." This episode is also brought to you by SuperFat Nut Butters. They’re 200–300 calories each, 3–5g of net carbs per pouch, keto- and Paleo-friendly, and easy to throw in a backpack or pocket. Get 15% off your order by going to http://SuperFat.com/tim. This podcast is also brought to you by Four Sigmatic mushroom coffee, featuring chaga. It tastes like coffee, but there are only 40 milligrams of caffeine, so it has less than half of what you would find in a regular cup of coffee. I do not get any jitters, acid reflux, or any type of stomach burn. It put me on fire for an entire day, and I only had half of the packet. You can try it right now by going to https://foursigmatic.com/tim and using the code Tim to get 20 percent off your first order. If you are in the experimental mindset, I do not think you'll be disappointed. Please enjoy! *** Subscribe to the channel: http://bit.ly/1dSzTkW If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast. Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday. For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts. Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at tim.blog/sponsor. Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books. Follow Tim: Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss Start. [00:00] Why does Tony abstain from caffeine and alcohol? [00:15] How did Tony get so good at selling? [05:44] Silicon Valley company General Magic and how Tony wound up there. [08:22] How Tony got hired. [11:21] Why did General Magic ultimately fail? [14:58] The first time Tony met Steve Jobs. [16:48] The consequences of Tony’s post-General Magic reboot. [19:52] How Tony learned to lead? [26:05] Most valuable leadership takeaways from Tony's psychologist. [29:56] Why Tony went to 12 schools in 15 years. [31:46] Key sales advice from Tony's father. [33:03] Management advice for new managers. [35:07] Tony's recommended management books. [37:49] Steve Jobs's counterintuitive bet that paid off big time. [39:48] Steve Jobs's confidence. [42:39] The timing of the iPod. [45:10] How Tony reacts to seeing iPods and iPhones in the wild. [48:14] Most valuable lessons from Steve Jobs. [50:45] The power of analogy. [52:04] The importance of getting bored. [55:20] A world traveler settles. [1:02:00] Why is Tony so interested in plastics? [1:06:41] Designing ourselves out of the problem of plastics. [1:09:32] Just because it's recyclable doesn't mean it gets recycled. [1:17:12] How Future Shape could make the world a better place. [1:19:04] On having curious beginner’s eyes. [1:21:05] What does Tony find difficult? [1:24:50] How to be impatient. [1:27:04] Tony’s self-care regimens. [1:30:08] Why sleep and drinking don’t mix. [1:33:53] In praise of "In Praise of Shadows." [1:35:12] Another book Tony gifts and reflects upon. [1:39:53] A particularly good snap decision Tony made. [1:41:32] Parting thoughts. [1:47:04]