Asking The Ethernet Billionaire If It Was Worth It

Get Bob’s top 7 lessons from this video here: NoahKagan.com/Bob
Bob Metcalfe, founder of 3Com, created ethernet and revolutionized the internet while working a 9-5 job. In this video, I learn what it takes to invent a world-changing product, and whether the hard work and sacrifices were worth it.
Follow Bob here: / robertmmetcalfe
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:54 How Bob made his money
01:25 Inventing ethernet
02:37 Why he left Xerox
03:30 Steve Jobs was his mentor
06:14 Why he started 3Com
07:56 3Com’s beginnings
10:58 Time to leave 3Com
13:02 Bob became famous
15:21 Regrets?
17:16 3Com’s competition
17:50 Selling courses
18:36 Many kinds of selling
20:35 How money improved his life
23:54 His first salary
24:40 Silliest thing he spent money on
25:48 Best money spent
26:52 His kids’ successes
28:49 After 3Com
30:47 Proudest moments
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Пікірлер: 500

  • @miamitten1123
    @miamitten11234 ай бұрын

    Crazy how people who literally changed the world are hardly ever known.

  • @alwaysright3718

    @alwaysright3718

    4 ай бұрын

    I know him and so do all the people that understand the Internet, don't praise your ignorance....

  • @Everysingletimeowitz

    @Everysingletimeowitz

    4 ай бұрын

    ⁠​⁠@@alwaysright3718Ironic, considering you’re ignorant of how ignorant the average person is.

  • @alwaysright3718

    @alwaysright3718

    4 ай бұрын

    @@Everysingletimeowitz I never mentioned average, so clearly you are, but probably suffer Dunning-Kruger Syndrome...

  • @dixoncider6786

    @dixoncider6786

    4 ай бұрын

    @@Everysingletimeowitzouch 😂

  • @Davewithfairoffer

    @Davewithfairoffer

    4 ай бұрын

    Unknown part of the creation of the Internet! Quiet billionaire !

  • @user-li6bw9rn1z
    @user-li6bw9rn1z4 ай бұрын

    Bob’s sense of self-awareness is exceptional! Very admirable!

  • @michael-499
    @michael-4994 ай бұрын

    A truly honest simple conversation. I enjoy unpretentious people.

  • @nightrunner1456

    @nightrunner1456

    4 ай бұрын

    True! TX.

  • @alatona26
    @alatona264 ай бұрын

    Great interview. Nice job letting Bob do 90% of the talking. I could listen to him for hours.

  • @flyingchicken85

    @flyingchicken85

    4 ай бұрын

    Agreed.

  • @lucybrenton149

    @lucybrenton149

    4 ай бұрын

    Noah is an incredible interviewer.❤

  • @echtigren8188

    @echtigren8188

    3 ай бұрын

    Bob wouldn't of had it any other way, pretty sure Bob made sure Noah didn't interrupt.

  • @dennisfahey2379

    @dennisfahey2379

    3 ай бұрын

    Bob is a rare breed. Both highly technical and business savvy and he understands Silicon Valley and its machinations. Its hard to believe that area which has created immense wealth many times over started with just a handful of entrepreneurs who would listen and support wild ideas as they built a new industrial sector and new economy. The comedy Silicon Valley catches some of the vibe well and spoiler - many of the story lines are loosely based on reality.

  • @KeenFocus

    @KeenFocus

    Ай бұрын

    Yup

  • @amulpatel
    @amulpatel4 ай бұрын

    Metcalfe is a national treasure. Thank you for getting him on

  • @spacecowboy2483
    @spacecowboy24833 ай бұрын

    These interviews are solid gold. Lacking that myself, here's my meagre contribution to keep them coming. Thank you!

  • @milesrost6674

    @milesrost6674

    3 ай бұрын

    You really are the "gansta of love" ;) Cheers - Godspeed

  • @codygilleland
    @codygilleland4 ай бұрын

    Bob was at MIT while I was there and I very much enjoyed his lectures.

  • @monkey3529
    @monkey35293 ай бұрын

    so smart yet so self aware and humble, this guy is a good role model

  • @charlesreid9337

    @charlesreid9337

    3 ай бұрын

    not generally a fan of billionaires as most are just born rich and combine that with greed and sociopathy. This man seems truely humble and to have made it mostly through his skills..which seem mostly to be sales

  • @teekanne15

    @teekanne15

    3 ай бұрын

    I find it always interesting when I read comments that judge a person based on an interview. We can talk about an impression, but making a good impression and being a good person are two very different things. Everybody loved my mom, she did voluntary work, was very active and had an impressive Vita. Yet she was an alcoholic and beat us kids and nobody knew.

  • @leeorgeva
    @leeorgeva4 ай бұрын

    Hi Noah. I'm not sure if you can get this to Bob, but I just wanted to say "Hi!" I was an instructor at a summer computer camp at MIT in 1999. I had a lab with all the colorful iMac G3's. Everyone else had a Windows 98 lab. His son, Max (I'm almost positive that is his name), was in my class and I taught him how to program True BASIC on it. Bob came in and we spoke for a while. He was super nice. We spoke just like in this interview :) He told me about inventing the Ethernet at the famous XEROX PARC and how he had to go around and sell it all over the world so it would become the standard. I remember our conversation to this day! Super nice guy!

  • @kkhdelivery6208
    @kkhdelivery62084 ай бұрын

    Noah, I'm loving these deep money and business convos with the OGs. Your interviewing style is pure gold. Thanks! 👏

  • @Sola_Scriptura_1.618
    @Sola_Scriptura_1.6183 ай бұрын

    Bob, FYI: You not closing IBM as a customer, was a testament to you being too good of a salesperson! You were so good, you convinced IBM that networking had a future. IBM's error, like many big business want to be the standard in the industry, not create it. They had the false belief they had the size to bully the market into adapting their tech as the saw fit. Loved the honest and thoughtful interview. God bless.

  • @effexon

    @effexon

    3 ай бұрын

    lol, that part of "bullying.... " the next big thing in market has been repeated dozens of times since and will be done many more times.

  • @meiahani2920
    @meiahani29204 ай бұрын

    I just started watching this channel and I really like how noah gives the guests time to elaborate on different topics.

  • @bbking0064
    @bbking00644 ай бұрын

    Thanks, I enjoyed the interview. I met Bob when he visited Australia circa 1989. At the time it felt like the wild west with a number of networking standards competing to become the dominant standard. An exciting time for the industry.

  • @realcorkdan
    @realcorkdan4 ай бұрын

    selling is everything….. what a man ❤

  • @richhands5269
    @richhands52694 ай бұрын

    My three favorite channels: Noah Kagan, Stock Brotha, & How Money Works. Make my week complete! 🔥 🔥 🔥

  • @sinhowww

    @sinhowww

    4 ай бұрын

    I went and checked 'How money works'...some great content there 😉👍🏽

  • @brohands-je9gg

    @brohands-je9gg

    Ай бұрын

    You son of a ..... Did you comment on ali abdaal channel. I saw. I found how money works . Thats cool channel.thanks man

  • @romamakes
    @romamakes4 ай бұрын

    Great interview, love it! “I try to dock with various opportunities and then it clicks” - that's actually how his main creation works. It just docks, clicks, and then you have a immense range of possibilities.

  • @idaclement2994

    @idaclement2994

    3 ай бұрын

    Well put...

  • @burcinbektas3196

    @burcinbektas3196

    2 ай бұрын

    Great observation

  • @AliasHSW
    @AliasHSW4 ай бұрын

    He’s so chill and modest

  • @michaelsantiagoart
    @michaelsantiagoart4 ай бұрын

    This is gold!! Thank you Noah.

  • @Audiostoke1
    @Audiostoke13 ай бұрын

    Watch any of these types of videos and you will find a common trend, the interviewer cares about the money, the wealthy person cares about the product and making a difference.

  • @bobbob9627

    @bobbob9627

    Ай бұрын

    Because when you don’t have money you become obsessed with finding out how to get it……

  • @MarketingHarry
    @MarketingHarry4 ай бұрын

    Incredible opportunity to hear this from Bob Metcalfe,thank you Noah!Asking whether it's worth it is a question on many minds. His perspective is invaluable, shedding light on the journey and its worth. Insightful interview!

  • @ShapeyFiend
    @ShapeyFiend3 ай бұрын

    What a charming fellow. It's interesting listen to someone who's an inventor but also has a sales psychology knows how to communicate his thoughts so gracefully.

  • @sunnindawg
    @sunnindawg4 ай бұрын

    15:41 so true. First I sat with sales people, then learned the best techniques to start selling on my own. Fonus on building the funnel and not the quota.

  • @paul_domici
    @paul_domici4 ай бұрын

    I love how Steve Jobs left that friendship window open cause he new there could be opportunities in the future!!!

  • @user-gs2lm4xb7j
    @user-gs2lm4xb7j4 ай бұрын

    This was so good!!! Such a good interview. Yesz!

  • @Brian-uy2tj
    @Brian-uy2tj3 ай бұрын

    Very interesting fellow. I have known a few people like him; highly educated, tremendously successful, fabulously wealthy but still down to Earth and easy to talk with.

  • @ecsta_chic
    @ecsta_chic3 ай бұрын

    This is a great conversation. The advices and lessons you can get gives you a lot of idea on which and what move to do next, who's to look up to, and what skills can help you with your journey. Thank you! ❤

  • @theasianway-aninsidelookat5252
    @theasianway-aninsidelookat52524 ай бұрын

    Did you hear what he really said…MIT….DARPA….and the timeline. “By 1982, I was selling cards that put your PC directly on the internet”.

  • @GODsSPECTRE
    @GODsSPECTRE3 ай бұрын

    Money doesn't change people, it only exposes who they really are.

  • @bryceherring4897
    @bryceherring48973 ай бұрын

    Noah I watch a bunch of these videos and some of them do they same concept as you but you honestly separate yourself with your questioning, respect, and genuine interest in the person rather than the views. Good job and good luck to you honestly!

  • @mt-qc2qh
    @mt-qc2qh2 ай бұрын

    Way back when I implemented a bridge between our proprietary minicomputer ethernet and Novell network using the 3C501 (3Com) pc board. It was an adventure for sure with a single block buffer. Not long after getting the bridge working, Racal came out with their 16k buffered board. I enjoyed those early days, fond memories.

  • @jeremiahadeoye6013
    @jeremiahadeoye60134 ай бұрын

    If you want to understand the mind of an inventor/engineer, just listen to this man

  • @RonniePenko
    @RonniePenko2 ай бұрын

    Much money corrupts people and lack of money too. As most already read somewhere : Money doesn't change you, it just reveals who you really are.

  • @michelfortier9563
    @michelfortier9563Ай бұрын

    I like this guy. I'm not rich but have enough to give some away and as he, I give it while I'm still alive. It's so rewarding to see people's faces receiving money they never expected.

  • @dertythegrower
    @dertythegrower4 ай бұрын

    Wow.... As a kid who grew up making Lan parties for games before broadband, and went to college to literally make cat5 cables... this is an epic one for me and a lot of IT subscriber guys... cheers, and respect. 🍿

  • @7113cole
    @7113cole4 ай бұрын

    Great conversation, thank you!

  • @FabianBaez
    @FabianBaez4 ай бұрын

    This was exceptional. Love these interviews Noah.

  • @WatchClyde
    @WatchClyde4 ай бұрын

    Love this interview...you can tell this guy has a wealth of knowledge. We have the respect the grandfathers of innovation...without him and others you wouldn't have the technology we use everyday today. Earned my respect!

  • @juliantadros2601
    @juliantadros26014 ай бұрын

    The way Noah don't talk and let him talk it's perfect

  • @neiljamessloan
    @neiljamessloan4 ай бұрын

    The comment about marketing v sales is an interesting one. The speaker talks about perceptions coming in (ie what the market / client base thinks of you/product), verses sales (meaning what you/product deliver). He has a nice way of putting it and an important distinction to make.

  • @arigutman
    @arigutman4 ай бұрын

    Great video, very insightful and moreover it just shows that anyone can become something should they pursue an idea...

  • @jaguarunleashed4935
    @jaguarunleashed49354 ай бұрын

    what a great interview. thanks for this. BM speaks very well. lots of insights.

  • @landmarkcreations1183
    @landmarkcreations11834 ай бұрын

    What a goldmine of information😎

  • @kjbaran
    @kjbaran3 ай бұрын

    What a gem. Thank you Noah for doing the groundwork for wisdom to reach us!

  • @Noahkangann__

    @Noahkangann__

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you for tuning in, my friend! You can locate my contact details above. ❤️

  • @Noahkangann__

    @Noahkangann__

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you for tuning in, my friend! You can locate my contact details above. ❤️

  • @WrestlingAD
    @WrestlingAD4 ай бұрын

    Interesting and motivating interview thanks

  • @turkishexpress
    @turkishexpress4 ай бұрын

    What a real person and great story. Thank you for sharing.

  • @Candide1776
    @Candide17764 ай бұрын

    Always enjoy hearing from those who have done it. It's great motivation for my own side gig (which will hopefully no longer be a side gig soon). ;)

  • @FinancialFinesse00
    @FinancialFinesse003 ай бұрын

    Noah that was a very interesting and informative interview with Bob Metcalfe keep those gems coming and peace and blessings to you.

  • @JayYangInspires
    @JayYangInspires4 ай бұрын

    awesome video as always!

  • @RobertTerry-
    @RobertTerry-4 ай бұрын

    I learnt a lot from this video. Thanks for creating the Ethernet. I’m curious who trades the financial market?

  • @WestAdamm

    @WestAdamm

    4 ай бұрын

    I trade the financial market. Which aspect of the financial market are you referring to?

  • @RobertTerry-

    @RobertTerry-

    4 ай бұрын

    I was contemplating between stock or crypto? How do you trade?

  • @WestAdamm

    @WestAdamm

    4 ай бұрын

    I trade based on the season of the market. It gives me a direction on implementing the right strategies for long or short term. I also trade based on the volatility of the market. Although it wasn’t easy till I came across a mentor who helped to keep me in the market loop. My mentor is Bernard Paul.

  • @BruceCartwrightt

    @BruceCartwrightt

    4 ай бұрын

    I’m also conversant with Paul. I’ve learnt invaluable insights from Paul, who generously shares his knowledge and experience to help beginners navigate the complexities of the market

  • @RichardWest-

    @RichardWest-

    4 ай бұрын

    I appreciate Paul’s transparency in his communication, providing clear insights that has helped me to be on the profitable side

  • @efedegirmenci
    @efedegirmenci4 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this very precious insight

  • @Joshualbm
    @Joshualbm3 ай бұрын

    It's marvelous to note how someone who claims to have a big ego is almost entirely egoless in hindsight. That's called wisdom.

  • @rishabharoraRE
    @rishabharoraRE3 ай бұрын

    Loved the boat analogy at the end!

  • @DuncanRawlinson
    @DuncanRawlinson4 ай бұрын

    Did it take everything you had to NOT ask this legend to talk about Metcalfe's law? Great interview. Thanks!

  • @rdubb77
    @rdubb774 ай бұрын

    On the summit with the Bell Labs guys and TCP/IP inventors (Kahn/Cerf). It’s nice to see that level of intellect also be very successful in business, and that’s what sets him apart.

  • @alexisgarcia-yw7xr
    @alexisgarcia-yw7xr4 ай бұрын

    Love the content keep doing this you are amazing

  • @ibrontodigital6763
    @ibrontodigital67633 ай бұрын

    Genuine interview. Thank you!

  • @MauricedelPrado
    @MauricedelPradoАй бұрын

    Great interview, Noah. Early in my career, I worked at IBM in their former Networking Hardware Division, in the early 90s. By then, 3Com was the king of Ethernet. Bob's comments about IBM asking him to talk to them about Ethernet was before my time. The alternate Bob mentions was Token Ring which was one of the dominant networking protocols in the 1980s and 1990s. Obviously, Ethernet won the war. Great to hear Bob's stories. Important lessons and commentary.

  • @stratfanstl
    @stratfanstl3 ай бұрын

    Would be an interesting round-table discussion to hear a gathering of ex-Xerox PARC employees discuss the culture of Xerox in the 1970s-1980s. It's possible that there was a cadre of execs there that "thought different" and understood the concepts emerging from their teams were SO world-altering the ideas had to be surrendered to the larger engineering community cuz they affected technologies so far away from Xerox's "core." However, it certainly looks from afar (50+ years) like the execs were completely left in the dust by the foresight of the engineers in their employ. Thankfully the real talent had the confidence to leave and take the ideas to more fertile ground.

  • @santosh0516
    @santosh05165 күн бұрын

    Noah you are the man! You are so blessed to interview sir Bob Metcalfe! Maybe I shouldn't say blessed because you worked really smart and hard!

  • @liamhotspur9182
    @liamhotspur91824 ай бұрын

    Interesting insight, thanks's for the upload.

  • @gpslightlock1422
    @gpslightlock14224 ай бұрын

    Outstanding interview.

  • @bernardlynch5226
    @bernardlynch52264 ай бұрын

    Consider financial planning, sooner not later it'll help

  • @christopherherbert2407

    @christopherherbert2407

    4 ай бұрын

    I wholeheartedly concur. At 60 years old and newly retired, my external retirement funds total around One million two hundred fifty thousand dollars.. With no debt and minimal retirement fund allocation relative to my portfolio's value over the last three years, I recognize the importance of a financial advisor. Neglecting them isn't an option; however, thorough research is vital to find a trustworthy fiduciary advisor.

  • @bernardlynch5226

    @bernardlynch5226

    4 ай бұрын

    Prioritizing effective personal finance management holds greater significance than the sheer amount saved, irrespective of income source. I understand you when you consulted a certified financial advisor which offered you tailored strategies to optimize financial results by reducing expenses and enhancing income, regardless of whether it's earned through employment or investments.

  • @rodgertim2881

    @rodgertim2881

    4 ай бұрын

    Many people underestimate the importance of advisors until their emotions lead to financial setbacks. I recall a couple of summers ago, during my protracted divorce, when I needed a significant boost to keep my business afloat. I conducted research and found a highly qualified licensed advisor. He has effectively increased my savings from $220k to $740k, even in the face of inflation.

  • @matteoschilcher9957

    @matteoschilcher9957

    4 ай бұрын

    This aligns perfectly with my desire to organize my finances prior to retirement. Could you provide me with access to your advisor?

  • @rodgertim2881

    @rodgertim2881

    4 ай бұрын

    Finding financial advisors like CHRIS RYAN STEWART who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very smart option/choice. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them.

  • @jasonschmidt777
    @jasonschmidt7774 ай бұрын

    Self awareness: great wisdom

  • @Gigi19563
    @Gigi195633 ай бұрын

    What a humble man

  • @capcadoi
    @capcadoi4 ай бұрын

    "The cable you plug into your Wifi Boxes to gain access to the internet". Bob Metcalfe had a stroke when watching this video

  • @jasonbollman
    @jasonbollman4 ай бұрын

    Bob is such a great guy! Use his invention every day in fact I've made a living with it. :)

  • @wraywraith
    @wraywraith4 ай бұрын

    Long way from Lymbrook and Miller bud. Good work!

  • @musicforest9243
    @musicforest92434 ай бұрын

    I use his technology in my personal and professional life. This invention alone made all communications in almost all the industries today relies on.

  • @ritasjourney
    @ritasjourney3 ай бұрын

    I’ve always liked Bob Metcalfe. Very underrated man.

  • @djr113
    @djr1134 ай бұрын

    He’s a great story teller

  • @christineotieno7880
    @christineotieno78804 ай бұрын

    What a father he had. Wow.

  • @Heyemeyohsts
    @Heyemeyohsts4 ай бұрын

    Great interview

  • @AEVMU
    @AEVMU4 ай бұрын

    Ask him about Origin Trail, where he's an active advisor and proponent.

  • @LearntoMakeHonestMoneyOnline
    @LearntoMakeHonestMoneyOnline4 ай бұрын

    "You probably don't remember the Internet bubble... Probably weren't born yet." 😂😂😂

  • @kentuckianaboy
    @kentuckianaboy4 ай бұрын

    I love❤Mr. Metcalfe’s energy.

  • @George-W-Jenson
    @George-W-Jenson2 ай бұрын

    Very inspiring interview ❤

  • @mirage711
    @mirage7114 ай бұрын

    What a nice interview. I like this guy.. Reminds me of my dad...

  • @DanJanTube
    @DanJanTube4 ай бұрын

    Some real insights here, thanks

  • @brandonbagwell7676
    @brandonbagwell76764 ай бұрын

    "Anyone can invent something, but it takes skill to sell it." I literally laughed my ass off and stopped the video there.

  • @stuartmartin3408

    @stuartmartin3408

    3 ай бұрын

    I noticed that too, surprised the gentleman there didn’t pick him up on that. Also, isn’t it polite to remove your hat indoors nowadays?

  • @donpantolonez
    @donpantolonez4 ай бұрын

    Yes. This is the guy who was talking about he would like to learn sales earlier or something like that.

  • @drone-ph
    @drone-ph4 ай бұрын

    Another Amazing True to life story🎉 and a rare interview with the Tech Inventor / CEO 🙌

  • @altonshreeves3956
    @altonshreeves39564 ай бұрын

    Thank you Bob

  • @poter-uw1oj
    @poter-uw1oj4 ай бұрын

    Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. Building wealth involves developing good habits, such as regularly setting aside money for sound investments...

  • @Edward-bn2vw
    @Edward-bn2vw4 ай бұрын

    Cheers Uncle Noah!

  • @sidm3859
    @sidm38594 ай бұрын

    thanks noah. good watch

  • @rwalker327
    @rwalker3274 ай бұрын

    Exceptional Interview

  • @love4lust7301
    @love4lust73014 ай бұрын

    I find it cool this billionaire can sit on his hands while being interviewed. 😊

  • @DanielEgan313
    @DanielEgan3134 ай бұрын

    Thank you Noah

  • @EmilTheoneandonly
    @EmilTheoneandonly4 ай бұрын

    Brilliant as always, well done

  • @WilliamAshleyOnline
    @WilliamAshleyOnline3 ай бұрын

    Isn't it ironic that one of the points that replaced each came out of the other Xerox went under due to electronic copies and person who made electronic copies able to be transfered without hardcopies ended up being surpassed by a networking company to make the technology more secure and usable at a larger scale.

  • @rossmaybert2227
    @rossmaybert22274 ай бұрын

    Great interviewer.

  • @peteherrera1502
    @peteherrera1502Ай бұрын

    Money reveals a person character and is a tool that can be used for good, bad or evil. Money is also a tool that gives a person options that they would not have if they did not have it. Having money is not bad. lusting after it and what it takes to obtain it no matter what is bad.

  • @MediaCreators
    @MediaCreators25 күн бұрын

    Bob, you are a very inspiring person.

  • @bradwatton5385
    @bradwatton53854 ай бұрын

    Great conversation, if I ever see bob ill buy him a pint 👍

  • @rwalker327
    @rwalker3274 ай бұрын

    Please forward the summary of the interview, thanks

  • @MJ-co2eh
    @MJ-co2eh3 ай бұрын

    great interview

  • @paulolsen8110
    @paulolsen81104 ай бұрын

    Beautiful picture on the wall, do you know the artist? Thank you.

  • @johnobrien8773
    @johnobrien87733 ай бұрын

    As an insurance agent, the "period certain" joke spoke to me.

  • @atypocrat1779
    @atypocrat17794 ай бұрын

    this guy deserves a headlock for all the ethernet cables i’ve had to deal with that had a broken locking tab.

  • @paulmichaelfreedman8334

    @paulmichaelfreedman8334

    3 ай бұрын

    yeah that is its achilles heel, but it was cheap. And now you can get them with a sock over the tab to prevent them breaking off when you pull a cable out of a ratsnest.

  • @cryptodude_btc

    @cryptodude_btc

    3 ай бұрын

    I feel your pain

  • @henrygagejr.-founderbuildg9199

    @henrygagejr.-founderbuildg9199

    2 ай бұрын

    That’s cause you bought Rev Z. The early versions were made of better materials. Change your budget change your life by local, if possible

  • @041Paulie
    @041Paulie4 ай бұрын

    Your videos are great. Please keep them coming.