One Family’s Story of Escape and Exile
Interview with Michael Moritz about his book Ausländer: One Family’s Story of Escape and Exile. Explores his family’s history as Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany. Contrasts his grandfathers—a cautious civil servant who stayed too long and a streetwise trader who escaped, highlighting how a refugee mindset instilled drive, vigilance, and the necessity of always having a “bolt hole”. Reflects on his leadership journey at Sequoia Capital, evaluating founders through their formative first 14 years, and the power of monomaniacal focus in figures like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk.
I also enjoyed the (quite different) Conversations with Tyler episode.