Edward Boute

·1 hr 43 min·5 clips

A former Google Cloud country manager explains why he radically eliminated his own lucrative job to find greater happiness.

The episode is an interview with Edward Boute, conducted by host Friedl' Lesage for the show Touché. Boute begins by explaining he eliminated his role as Google Cloud country manager after ten years, not because he was unhappy, but to seek greater fulfillment. He introduces his book 'Elimineer', inspired by a quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry about happiness being achieved when there is nothing left to remove, not add. Boute now focuses on start-ups, applying Jack Ma's advice about passing knowledge to younger generations. He reveals personal details: he co-runs a small family chocolate business, considers himself an 'art-analphabetist', and uses breathing techniques during tennis. Boute elaborates on his elimination philosophy, using an 80-20 rule to identify and cut out people who cause unhappiness. He discusses his sabbatical year and financial planning for a carefree life. The conversation shifts to corporate culture, contrasting AB InBev's cost-cutting ownership culture with Google's innovation culture that celebrates failure. Boute describes his morning routine of meditation and writing, learned partly from a Google course called 'Search Inside Yourself'. He expresses strong anger towards Donald Trump and the defense of him by friends, linking it to values like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Boute proposes eliminating Belgian subsidies to lower taxes. He reflects on his father's death at 60 as a catalyst for his elimination journey. Personal anecdotes include his wedding song ('Perfect Day' by Lou Reed), teaching his daughters to fail, and his Christian values. Boute shares his sports passions: tennis, kitesurfing, cycling, and a past Ironman. He aims to become a Flemish tennis champion and DJ with his daughter. The episode ends with Boute's message to 'assume good intent' for a better world.

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