Startup Hustle Scaling WP Engine with Jason Cohen
Mar 26, 2024
56:22
Ever felt like your website is about to crash from a sudden surge in traffic?
Our guest founder knows that feeling all too well. In this episode, we chat with the Chief Innovation Officer of WP Engine, Jason Cohen, about the company's incredible journey and his own path from burnt-out developer to successful entrepreneur.
You'll learn:
- How Jason's early struggles with WordPress led to the creation of a billion-dollar business.
- The surprising secret weapon that helped WP Engine stand out from the crowd (Spoiler alert: probably not the t-shirt).
- Why "headless" WordPress is the future and how it can boost your website's performance.
- The potential of AI in writing content and creating a more personalized user experience.
- How to avoid the "joy and skill trap" and find work that keeps you motivated and energized.
- Jason's ingenious interview technique to guarantee a perfect fit for your next hire.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who:
- Runs a WordPress website and wants to take it to the next level.
- Dreams of starting their own business but feels stuck on an idea.
- Wants to learn how to avoid burnout and find more joy in their work.
Tune in and get ready to be inspired!
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
Visit the WP Engine website:
Learn more about Jason Cohen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncohen/
Highlighted Discussion Points
- WP Engine and the origin of smart bear with Jason Cohen. 0:32
- Starting and selling a successful software company. 1:38
- Entrepreneurship and idea validation. 6:16
- Growing a WordPress-focused company through marketing strategies. 10:59
- Growth strategies for a WordPress hosting company. 13:33
- Business strategies and product development in the WordPress industry. 17:10
- Decoupling WordPress for better performance and scalability. 22:33
- Decoupling, AI, and website components. 25:21
- AI and search capabilities in WordPress. 27:47
- Company expansion strategies using adjacent markets. 32:58
- Evaluating business expansion strategies. 36:00
- Entrepreneurship and career development. 39:20
- Avoiding burnout and finding joy in work. 46:06
- Hiring techniques and avoiding bad fits in the workplace. 49:55
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.