he then went on to launch the popular travel website hipmonk and wrote a book called without their permission. we're going to talk about what he learned launching these two successful companies. it's so great to see you. >> thank you. >> hit monk one of my favorite travel sites. >> i take the most credit for the mascot. like every company i start is a new mascot and it warms my heart every time someone says i sometimes watch searches just to watch it dance. >> then you've done your job. you talk in your book and in your speeches a lot about having permission to fail. >> mm-hmm. >> which is -- it's funny to hear that from someone who's been so incredibly successful. >> yeah, i mean you know on the surface, right, it looks like the way these head lines get written it's a clear story, right? steve and alexis started right out of college, a year and a half they're acquired by conde nast. but life in general is full of failures and setbacks. i'm always reminded of the quote from adventure time and that is sucking is the first step to being sort of good at something. and the fact is we had a compan