This Week in Startups Snowflake CEO Frank Slootman on moving the needle, win-first culture & managing burnout | E1689
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Mar 2, 2023 
Frank Slootman, CEO of Snowflake and known for his prowess in leading hyper-growth companies, shares insights about navigating the fast-paced tech landscape. He discusses the importance of measuring organizational impact and fostering a win-first culture. Slootman highlights his unique hiring philosophy, emphasizing enthusiasm and strong relationships between executives and their teams. Additionally, he addresses managing burnout and creating a secure work environment, offering valuable strategies for maintaining focus amidst industry challenges.
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Layoffs Indicate Bad Management
- Frequent layoffs reveal prior mismanagement by allowing unproductive employees to accumulate.
- Regular pruning of underperforming staff is a necessary management discipline.
Prioritize Performance Culture
- Build a performance-driven culture, not a family-like one, to achieve high performance.
- Recruit talent with character; prioritize winning over comfort and avoid tolerating mediocrity.
Self-Assessment and Impact
- Regularly self-assess your contribution to the organization and be honest with yourself.
- Demand more from yourself, and consistently ask if you made a difference and moved the dial.
