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Greymatter

Quora CEO Adam D'Angelo | Becoming a Remote-First Company

Jul 14, 2020
Adam D'Angelo, CEO and co-founder of Quora, shares insights on the company’s transformative shift to a remote-first model spurred by the pandemic. He highlights the surprising benefits of remote work, such as increased flexibility and recruitment opportunities, while navigating challenges in communication and collaboration. D'Angelo discusses how informal interactions are maintained through innovative tools and underscores the importance of decisive leadership in this new work landscape. His vision for the future embraces a blend of remote and co-working spaces.
34:46

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Quick takeaways

  • Quora's shift to a remote-first company was driven by newfound productivity benefits and reduced commuting stress observed during the pandemic.
  • The transition emphasized synchronous communication tools like Zoom to enhance collaboration, reflecting the company's commitment to employee engagement across time zones.

Deep dives

Transition to Remote-First Work Culture

Quora's decision to embrace a remote-first work structure emerged from their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, which dispelled previous assumptions about in-person collaboration. Adam D'Angelo noted that before the pandemic, Quora maintained a strict office culture, emphasizing the value of face-to-face interactions. However, the enforced shift to remote work revealed numerous benefits, including enhanced productivity and reduced commuting stress. As a result, Quora announced its commitment to a remote-first model, aligning its strategy with evolving workplace dynamics.

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