CGK ON A visionary entrepreneur reflects on
the things that have shaped his life.

Charles Koch sits down with radio host Bill Bennett to discuss how virtuous cycles of mutual benefit can benefit both business and society. Check back here each week for a new installment of this eight-part series.

 
 
 

One

What are virtuous cycles?

In the first segment, Koch discusses his upbringing and the beginning of his involvement with Koch Industries, including its successes and failures. The episode introduces the concepts of “good profit” and virtuous cycles of mutual benefit.

Two

The value of mutual benefit

Koch discusses the role of virtuous cycles in business and the need to understand what customers value in order to derive mutual benefit from a transaction. The episode covers the importance of developing knowledge networks within businesses, as well as building a culture that values experimentation and prudent risk taking.

Three

The protectionist mentality

Koch discusses the importance of taking risks and eliminating all forms of protectionism to enable innovation. The episode also explores how virtuous cycles have allowed Koch Industries to evolve its capabilities over the years.

Four

Putting principles to work

This segment explores how virtuous cycles in business can be replicated across various institutions in society. Koch explains what is needed for individuals and businesses to succeed, while also exploring what happens in the absence of these principles.

five

How society best succeeds

In this segment, Mr. Koch shares insight on why he is magnifying his efforts to address problems faced by society. Explaining the danger of protectionism in its many forms, he discusses how to address the influence of factions and special interests.

six

Four essential elements

In this segment, Mr. Koch details the four essential elements of a flourishing society: equal rights, mutual benefit, openness, and self-actualization. He explores where the United States has both excelled and fallen short in applying these principles across society’s key institutions: business, community, education and government.

Seven

A real education

In this segment, Koch explains ongoing efforts to supplement and improve educational freedom for all. He discusses how the three-dimensional approach to education applies to various projects in K-12 and at colleges and universities.

Eight

It starts with you

In this episode, Mr. Koch explores how the resiliency to persevere through failure is a key to success in all four key institutions: education, business, community, and government.