Kristi Coulter, an author and 12-year Amazon senior employee, discusses her new memoir about her time at Amazon, highlighting the company culture, frustrating gender dynamics, and the constant delay in promotions. They also touch on the influence of algorithms, the concept of a bar raiser, and a debate about customer knowledge with Jeff Bezos.
The podcast highlights the intense work environment at Amazon and the pressure to be superhuman to get promoted, while also discussing the aspects of sexism and lack of gender diversity in the workplace.
The writer reflects on the challenges of balancing AI-driven recommendations and maintaining a human touch and editorial point of view, as algorithms became crucial for product suggestions and promotions at Amazon, overshadowing the creative skills of the employees.
Deep dives
The Culture and Insights of Amazon
The podcast explores the writer's experience working at Amazon and provides insights into the company's culture. It highlights the intense work environment and the pressure to be superhuman to get promoted. It also touches on the aspects of sexism and lack of gender diversity in the workplace.
The Role of Algorithms and Creativity at Amazon
The podcast discusses how algorithms became crucial for product suggestions and promotions at Amazon, overshadowing the creative skills of the employees. The writer reflects on the challenges of balancing AI-driven recommendations with maintaining a human touch and editorial point of view.
The Impact of Amazon's Work-Life Balance and Promotions
The podcast delves into the work-life balance at Amazon, where employees are expected to be constantly available and responsive. It also addresses the difficulties of promotions, emphasizing the high standards and the rigorous processes that put immense pressure on employees struggling to advance their careers within the company.
David Plotz talks with author and 12-year Amazon senior employee, Kristi Coulter about her new memoir, Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career. They discuss the good, the bad, and the confusing parts of Coulter’s career at Amazon, starting in 2006. They talk about the culture of Amazon, the frustrating gender dynamics, and why she was constantly “a year away” from a promotion.
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