BootstrFM Bootstr Episode 4 with Pieter Levels from PhotoAI, NomadList and RemoteOK
Nov 15, 2023
Pieter Levels, founder of NomadList, RemoteOK, and PhotoAI, discusses his daily routine, task prioritization, struggles in the startup journey, the impact of AI technology, branching out into new projects, overcoming challenges with automation in business, and monetization strategies for sustainable success.
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Prioritize Urgency And Excitement Over Fancy To‑Do Systems
- Prioritize work by urgency and excitement rather than elaborate task systems.
- Pieter fixes critical bugs first, then follows burning curiosity (e.g., speeding PhotoAI from 30s to 5s) to choose features to build.
Early Crash Nearly Broke Pieter Before A Multi‑Project Breakthrough
- Pieter describes hitting deep anxiety in 2013–2014 when YouTube revenue crashed and his projects produced little income.
- He considered moving home or getting a job but kept building until cumulative projects crossed ~$1M/year around 2018.
Prioritize Fitness Because It Powers Creativity And Calm
- Treat health as a foundational productivity tool: exercise, diet, and air quality improve mental clarity and resilience.
- Pieter adopted consistent strength training and clean eating after COVID and seeing a 65‑year‑old gym friend who looked 35.