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In this episode of the Brave Commerce podcast, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Michael Kassan, founder and CEO of 3C Ventures, to discuss his dynamic career in the commerce industry.
Kassan shares the thought process behind launching 3C Ventures, a company focused on the 3 C’s—consulting, convening, and co-investing. He explains how these three pillars serve as the foundation of his business, offering insights into where he sees the industry headed and how 3C Ventures will continue to be a driving force at the intersection of marketing, media, and technology.
Kassan also delves into the importance of human connections and making strategic bets on people. Sharing anecdotes from his career, he emphasizes the value of trusting instinct when identifying talent and why relationships built on trust and transparency are essential for long-term success. Whether it’s finding the key traits in potential hires or maintaining a network of trusted industry leaders, Kassan explains how people remain the core of his business philosophy.
Finally, the conversation turns introspective as Kassan reflects on his legacy and lessons learned from past leadership decisions. He openly discusses one of his greatest business regrets and how it has shaped his perspective moving forward.
With a mix of wisdom and humility, Kassan shares what he hopes the industry will say about him in the future and offers advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs navigating the ever-evolving world of commerce.
Key takeaways:
The Power of the 3 C’s: Kassan discusses the creation of 3C Ventures and how its three key principles are shaping his new business ventures.
Betting on People: Kassan emphasizes the importance of spotting potential in people—what he calls “lightning in a jar”—and how trust, transparency, and talent fuel success.
Legacy and Leadership: Reflecting on his career, Kassan shares his thoughts on leaving a lasting impact, the lessons learned from past regrets, and how he’s guiding the next generation of industry leaders.
