Skill Stacking for Entrepreneurs: What MBAs Miss

Welcome to Predictable B2B Success. In this episode, Vinay Koshy interviews John Cousins—investor, tech founder, and educator—whose MBA ASAP program has helped over 30,000 students worldwide. Learn how John turns business theory into practical advice for founders at every level.

Hear why John created MBA ASAP, how mental models and curiosity drive founder success, and his approach to simplifying business concepts. Get practical tips on financial literacy, pricing, and common pitfalls for entrepreneurs.

Want actionable business advice and new ways to think about B2B success? Listen in for practical strategies you can use now.

Some topics we explore in this episode include:

• John Cousins’ Career Path – His trajectory from engineering to business, teaching, writing, and investing.
• Creation and Purpose of MBA ASAP – Addressing the gap between academic business education and real-world practices.
• Educational Techniques – Making complex business topics simple and actionable through practical examples.
• Mental Models – Using frameworks for strategic thinking and decision-making in business.
• AI and Automation – Impact of AI on business operations, vibe coding, and leveraging tech tools.
• Decision-Making Processes – Heuristics, Bayesian analysis, and strategies for faster, smarter choices.
• Financial Literacy – Simplifying accounting concepts and why finance matters for founders.
• Iterative Market Testing – Applying the “ready, fire, aim” philosophy to test product demand via email and feedback.
• Pricing and Revenue Strategies – Finding optimal pricing, avoiding underpricing, and scaling revenue.
• Skill Stacking – Building complementary skills like reading, sales, and negotiation to excel in business communication.
• And much, much more...