Bill Flagg | How to Build a Sovereign Business

On this week’s donothing podcast, you’ll learn:

  • How Bill feels when he doesn’t meditate for a few days

  • Why Bill began transcendental meditation

  • How much better Bill’s sleep is since he began meditating

  • Which business leaders have inspired Bill’s own approach to leadership

  • How independent businesses are often better for employees, leadership, clients and their communities

  • Why business leaders need to focus on growing communities over financials

  • What caused Bill to quit school

  • Why schools and businesses need to foster introverts

  • When Bill realized he wanted to become an entrepreneur

  • How Bill started his path to entrepreneurship

  • Why “flipping cycles” are bad for employees and consumers

  • How Ari Weinzweig and the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses influenced Bill’s leadership philosophy

  • What Bill means by company sovereignty

  • Why Bill believes open-book management is great for businesses, leadership and their team members

  • What qualities Bill seeks in a business he’s considering adding to his network

  • Why starting an independent business with no intention to sell can prove difficult

  • What Bill’s “Dirty Little Secrets” to great independent businesses are

  • Why many entrepreneurs struggle after selling their companies

  • How Bill’s family teaches him life and business lessons


When it comes to integrating an authentic, people-first purpose into business, Bill Flagg is ahead of the curve. Inspired by other vehemently independent business leaders, Bill built his own Boulder-based community of what he calls "Sovereign Companies."

Today, he co-owns and operates SurveyGizmo, SnapEngage, StickerGiant and Avid4 Adventure. All are organically grown, cash flow rich and have no institutional investors. He’s also a dedicated family man with a penchant for mindfulness and transcendental meditation.

From why introversion is underrated to how entrepreneurs can grow their own sovereign business, listen to my great conversation with Bill Flagg on this week’s donothing podcast.

Connect with Bill Flagg

Bill’s Recommended Books

Bill’s Other Recommended Resources

donothingAudio Podcast

Subscribe to the donothing podcast to discover simple, practical tips and tools from mindful, high-performing leaders that you can implement in your leadership philosophy today.

I could use your help! If you are enjoying the podcast, please subscribe on any of the platforms you listen on and leave a review. These small actions help extend our reach and keep the show going.

Follow Rob Dube on Social Media

Rob Dube’s Website

Buy the donothing book (now available as audiobook, too!):

Early registration for the 2020 donothing Leadership Retreat now open!

This year’s retreat will be held at the pristine Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado from April 20-23, 2020 as we dive into the biggest leadership challenge our lives—doing nothing. Learn more about the donothing Leadership Retreat at https://www.donothingbook.com/retreat.

Previous
Previous

Retreat Reflections: The Leadership Benefits of Doing Nothing

Next
Next

Whitney Bromberg Hawkings | From Fashion Exec to Floral Industry Disruptor