Every Boardroom inside The Executives’ Institute is built from the experiences of business leaders.
As founders, executives, and operators contribute their insights on the Rules in this chapter, those lessons are added here for others to study. What begins as a few observations gradually becomes a deeper record of the real-world application of these principles.
Over time, the goal is simple:
to build a lasting library of practical business wisdom.
🚪 Boardroom 1 — Foundations
Share your experience with these Rules—lessons learned, where it worked, where it didn’t, or insights from the books.
📌 Rule No. 1 —Solve a real problem.
The Lean Startup, by Eric Ries
📌 Rule No. 2 —Fall in love with the problem, not the solution.
The Mom Test, by Rob Fitzpatrick
📌 Rule No. 6 —Your first idea is rarely your best.
Originals, by Adam Grant
📌 Rule No. 10 —Never stop learning.
Mindset, by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.
📌 Rule No. 15 —Work on the business, not just in it.
The E-Myth Revisited, by Michael E. Gerber
🧩 Rule No. 1 —Solve a Real Problem
The Lean Startup, by Eric Ries
Some of the most impactful businesses didn’t start with a big idea — they started with a real problem someone couldn’t ignore. We’re looking for short stories, insights, or turning points from CEOs, founders, and business leaders that answer one simple question:
What real problem did you decide to solve — and how did that change everything?
“In every business, safety compliance shouldn’t just be a checkbox — it’s a department that can cost money, productivity, and lives if ignored. At Nelco First Aid, we solve a real problem by understanding that companies didn’t need just first aid supplies — they needed a partner to manage compliance, inventory, and readiness so they can focus on their core work without risking OSHA violations or unprepared employees. When a company takes its safety department seriously — when first aid kits are stocked, training is current, and preparedness is visible — employees notice. They feel valued. They feel protected. A well-run safety program doesn’t just reduce incidents; it strengthens culture. It sends a clear message: You matter here. And that’s a problem worth solving.””
– Kurt McSparron, former President/Owner, Nelco First Aid, Inc., West Fargo, North Dakota
🧩 Rule No. 2 —Fall in love with the problem, not the solution.
The Mom Test, by Rob Fitzpatrick
🧩 Rule No. 6 —Your first idea is rarely your best.
Originals, by Adam Grant
🧩 Rule No. 10 —Never stop learning.
Mindset, by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.
🧩 Rule No. 15 —Work on the business, not just in it.
The E-Myth Revisited, by Michael E. Gerber
If a Rule in this chapter has shaped a decision or a turning point in your business, we encourage you to share what you learned.