See why 80% of the top-grossing game studios rely on the Player Insights Platform™ to ensure a game's success (before it's even released).
We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/rise
In this episode, host
welcomes Brett Nowak, founder and CEO of Liquid and Grit, a leading product research and consultancy firm specializing in mobile gaming. Brett shares his entrepreneurial journey, leadership philosophies, and insights on building a sustainable, independent business. He discusses his motivations for bootstrapping his company, the importance of autonomy, and how he built a unique company culture by questioning traditional business norms.What we cover in this episode:
💡Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
Identify what you want from your business (e.g., financial independence, control, creative freedom).
Choose a business model that aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.
Validate your ideas by selling early and iterating based on feedback.
Avoid traditional constraints—design a business that works for your strengths and lifestyle.
💰 Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital:
Brett prioritized full ownership and control over his company, choosing not to raise external funding.
By keeping initial costs low and maintaining a day job, he was able to test and validate his business before going full-time.
📈 The Role of Discipline and Long-Term Vision:
Running a business successfully requires long-term commitment, persistence, and a willingness to push through discomfort.
Brett’s structured approach ensured steady growth without external dependencies.
👥 Building a Non-Traditional Work Culture:
Liquid and Grit operates remotely with minimal meetings and a strong emphasis on autonomy and efficiency.
The hiring process is unconventional—focusing on skills-based assessments rather than traditional interviews.
The company structure reduces bureaucracy, allowing employees to focus on delivering high-quality work.
💛 Mental Health and Work-Life Integration:
Brett emphasizes the importance of balancing business growth with personal well-being.
Having a psychiatrist for professional and personal guidance has been one of his most impactful decisions.
More Resources:
Connect with Brett Novak
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (Recommended Book on Entrepreneurship)
Share this post