I dropped out of high school…Now I’m building the SpaceX of airplanes

In this episode, Blake Scholl reflects on his unconventional path to founding Boom Supersonic, a company aimed at revolutionizing air travel by developing a commercial jet capable of flying at supersonic speeds. He recalls his earlier career phases, including working at Amazon and creating mobile apps, which did not resonate with his passions. Scholl emphasizes the moment he decided to change his trajectory and pursue innovation in the aerospace industry, particularly after becoming a licensed pilot and realizing the potential for supersonic travel had not been explored since the Concorde.

He outlines the importance of following personal passions and the concept of first principles thinking, which involves breaking down conventional assumptions to find new pathways toward innovation. Scholl discusses the challenges of raising funds, emphasizing that traditional venture capitalists often shy away from hard tech projects due to their long timelines and perceived risks. He notes that during his time with Boom, he has focused on solving problems that many overlook in the industry, such as optimizing fuel efficiency and developing proprietary jet engines.

The conversation shifts to the emotional journey behind entrepreneurship, highlighting the significance of resilience, commitment to one’s vision, and motivating oneself to push through doubts and failures. Scholl shares poignant personal anecdotes, including a heartwarming moment with his daughter about the value of attempting ambitious goals, regardless of the outcome. Ultimately, he believes that aspiring founders should embrace the pursuit of daunting challenges to unlock their full potential, creating groundbreaking innovations in the process.