Elevate with Robert Glazer cover image

Elevate with Robert Glazer

Elevate Classics: How Corey Thomas Climbed To The Top of World Class Companies

May 8, 2025
Corey Thomas, CEO and Chairman of Rapid7, shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to leading a top cybersecurity firm. He discusses the importance of ambition and resilience, highlighting how early failures shaped his leadership style. Corey emphasizes the value of constructive feedback and the complexities of building a strong company culture. He also reflects on the significance of hiring the right candidates and the intricate balance of leadership, advocating for humility and adaptability as essential traits for success.
48:37

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Corey Thomas credits his working-class upbringing and magnet school experience with shaping his ambition and aspirations for excellence in education.
  • He highlights the significance of gaining diverse experiences in technology and consulting, often pursuing positions that offered learning over higher pay.

Deep dives

Childhood Experiences Shape Ambition

Corey Thomas reflects on his childhood, highlighting the impact of growth in a working-class family. Both of his parents held jobs that required hard work and determination, instilling a mindset focused on study and ambition in Corey. Attending a public magnet school was a turning point, as it shifted his perspective towards higher aspirations, urging him to aim for prestigious colleges. This change in environment, emphasizing excellence and high expectations, sparked a desire in him to pursue opportunities he had never considered before.

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