Masters of Scale
Don’t stop learning: How Cornerstone kept scaling, w/Adam Miller
Jun 13, 2024
Adam Miller, the mastermind behind Cornerstone On Demand, shares his extraordinary journey of scaling an education tech giant from a humble idea during the dot-com boom to a $5.2 billion business. He dives into the gritty challenges of navigating financial crises, including a desperate loan from the shadows to make payroll. Miller emphasizes the importance of perseverance, risk-taking, and adapting to market changes while building resilience during tumultuous times, including the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic.
33:00
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Quick takeaways
- Taking calculated risks, such as borrowing from a loan shark, can save a company from collapse during financial crises.
- Adaptability, strategic decision-making, and perseverance are essential in navigating challenges and transforming them into growth opportunities.
Deep dives
The Near-Death Experience in 2005
Adam Miller, CEO of Cornerstone, faced a dire situation in 2005 when the company was running out of money. Despite raising some funds, they were still short. In a moment of desperation, Adam had to borrow money from a loan shark to meet payroll. This risky move saved the company from collapse, showcasing the lengths Adam went to keep the business afloat.
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