Think Like a CEO

2 min readNov 23, 2023

Built Not Born (Episode X-Ray): Jay Papasan — Co-author of “The ONE Thing” & host of “Think Like a CEO” Podcast.

“Life is a series of decision making moments.”

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Jay Papasan is a bestselling author and serves as the Vice President of Strategic Content at Keller Williams Realty Inc, the world’s largest real estate company.

Jay’s most recent book, The ONE Thing, co-authored with Keller Williams Founder Gary Keller has sold over 3 million copies, has been translated into 42 languages and appeared on more than 500 national bestseller lists including #1 on the The Wall Street Journal Business Book list.

Jay and Gary also co-host a crazy good podcast called, “Think Like a CEO.”

Here’s what I learned from Jay…

6.5 Ways to Thrive During Tough Times:

1) Be Positive.

“In a recession don’t have a recession mindset.” — Gary Keller

2) Play Offense.

Bring a GROWTH mindset into tough times.
Companies that lose market share during a downturn rarely get it back.

3) Listen More than Ever.

Share best practices, even with your competition.
Learn whats working. Learn what’s not.
Steal ideas from other industries.

4) Learn from Those Who Came Before You.

KW Founder Gary Keller is known for going to the bookstore during a crisis to learn from people that came before him.
Steal ideas from those who succeeded in similar situations.

5) Live Outside Your Comfort Zone.

See change as a strategy, not a threat.
“Change is inevitable, participation is optional.” — Gary Keller

6) Focus on What’s in Your Control.

Define what’s IN your control and what’s NOT.
Don’t fight what’s out of your control. Adapt to it.

6.5) Learn to Live with Certainty During Uncertain Times.

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” — Jay Papasan

Books, Podcasts and Products Mentioned by Jay Papasan:

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“Life is Built, Not Born.”

Joe Ciccarone

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