a16z Podcast Boss Talk with Ben Horowitz
6 snips
Feb 28, 2021 
In this engaging conversation, Ali Ghodsi, CEO of Databricks, shares his journey from Iran to tech leadership, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. He discusses the significance of Conway’s Law in organizational structure and how it impacts company success. Ghodsi explores the cultural divides tech founders face in hiring sales leaders and the importance of aligning sales and marketing teams. He sheds light on the evolving role of CEOs in shaping company culture and the strategic importance of brand recognition in the B2B space.
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Ali Ghodsi's Upbringing
- Ali Ghodsi's family fled Iran during the Iran-Iraq war due to his parents' opposition to the government.
- They lived in student dorms in Sweden, facing eviction and adapting to a new, sometimes hostile environment.
From Academia to CEO
- Ghodsi transitioned from a challenging upbringing to academic success, eventually pursuing a PhD at UC Berkeley.
- Ben Horowitz encouraged Ghodsi and his colleagues to commercialize their research, leading to the founding of Databricks.
Value of Diverse Backgrounds
- Ghodsi believes his diverse background allows him to understand different perspectives and cross cultural barriers within organizations.
- He credits this ability to his experience adapting to different environments and value systems.