# 608 - Incorruptible: How Great Companies Stay Great with Eric Ries

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-how-of-business-how-to-start-run-grow-and-exit-a-small-business-435204/608-incorruptible-how-great-companies-stay-great-with-eric-ries
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-how-of-business-how-to-start-run-grow-and-exit-a-small-business-435204/608-incorruptible-how-great-companies-stay-great-with-eric-ries.md
Podcast: [The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-how-of-business-how-to-start-run-grow-and-exit-a-small-business-435204)
Published: 2026-06-01T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://howofbusiness.libsyn.com/608-incorruptible-how-great-companies-stay-great-with-eric-ries
Audio file: https://pdcn.co/e/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/howofbusiness/Episode_609_-_Eric_Ries.mp3?dest-id=346019
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Duration seconds: 2980

## Resource

How small business owners can build mission-driven companies that earn trust, create long-term value, and avoid the traps that cause good businesses to lose their way. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/609-eric-ries-incorruptible/ What causes good companies to go bad? According to Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup and his new book Incorruptible, it often begins when organizations lose sight of their true mission and start making decisions based solely on short-term financial results. In this episode, Henry Lopez speaks with Eric Ries about how entrepreneurs can build businesses that stay true to their purpose as they grow. Eric shares why mission is much more than a statement on a wall, how trust becomes a powerful competitive advantage, and why governance structures matter even for small businesses. They discuss real-world examples from companies like Cloudflare, Patagonia, Costco, and Taylor Guitars, exploring how organizations can make principled decisions that strengthen trust and create long-term value. Eric also explains why profit is often misunderstood and how business owners can think differently about profitability, purpose, and organizational longevity. The conversation concludes with Eric's thoughts on how AI is accelerating entrepreneurship and why founders who move quickly, learn rapidly, and remain grounded in their mission will be best positioned for the future. Whether you're launching a startup, leading a growing company, or planning for succession, this episode offers valuable insights on building a business that endures. Eric Ries is an entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Lean Startup methodology. His work on innovation, entrepreneurship, governance, and long-term company building has influenced founders and business leaders…

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