Positive Sum

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book argues that we all win when we all win. The proof is in these pages, which exist only because so many people invested in me—with their time, their wisdom, and their faith.

Two Princeton professors, both now deceased, helped launch me on my path by writing my recommendations to Stanford Law School. Professor Uwe Reinhardt, the legendary healthcare economist, taught what was then Princeton's only business‐related course: Financial Accounting. Professor Walter Murphy, the renowned constitutional law scholar, offered a seminar as a personal hobby once or twice during his career: The Politics of the New Testament. A preacher's kid couldn't resist. Their willingness to put their stamps of approval on me paved the way to the prestigious halls of Stanford Law School.

At Stanford Law School, Professor Joe Grundfest was a favorite among all students, but he was the only professor I sought out intentionally. For reasons that are clear in this book, Joe's combination of academic expertise, practitioner's pragmatism, and stand‐up comedic flair made him approachable for me. He showed me that serious ideas don't have to be delivered with a scowl.

I met Debbie Wright at The First Boston Corporation in 1986, and she became my mentor first, then a lifelong friend. Dr. Larry Morse, a Princeton economics PhD who became a venture capitalist, taught me my most important venture capital lesson: “You can understand the technology but not know the business.” Their lessons, ...