How I Built This with Guy Raz Hinge: Justin McLeod
Mar 22, 2021
Justin McLeod, the Founder and CEO of Hinge, shares his journey from heartbreak to creating a dating app designed for meaningful relationships. He discusses how personal experiences shaped Hinge's evolution and the challenges he faced in a saturated market. McLeod also reflects on Hinge's relaunch, emphasizing user engagement and thoughtful design. The conversation touches on the app's growth during the pandemic and its ultimate acquisition by Match Group, highlighting the resilience and innovation required to thrive in the dating landscape.
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Early Heartbreak
- Justin McLeod was heartbroken in 7th grade after his girlfriend dumped him.
- This trauma motivated him to reinvent himself as a "cool kid" in high school, embracing partying.
College Partying
- In college, Justin embraced partying and neglected his studies.
- He even sought counseling for substance abuse but didn't take it seriously at first.
Hiding Addiction
- Justin hid his addiction from his parents by maintaining good grades.
- He viewed his ability to balance partying and academics as part of his identity.