How I Built This with Guy Raz Zappos: Tony Hsieh (2017)
May 20, 2019
Tony Hsieh, the visionary founder of Zappos, transformed an online shoe retailer into a billion-dollar customer service powerhouse. He shares insights on the unconventional management philosophy that prioritizes happiness and employee culture over traditional structures. Hsieh reflects on overcoming early financial challenges and the joy of creating a nurturing work environment. He also delves into his belief in experiences over possessions, illustrating how these principles fueled Zappos' success and reshaped industry expectations.
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Childhood Trickery
- As a child, Tony Hsieh would trick his parents into thinking he was practicing instruments by playing recordings.
- This clever trick allowed him to avoid practicing while still appearing obedient.
Side Hustle to Success
- Bored with his programming job at Oracle, Tony Hsieh and his roommate started a web design agency as a side hustle.
- This side hustle allowed them to explore their interests and eventually led to bigger opportunities.
Culture Over Cash
- Tony Hsieh sold LinkExchange to Microsoft due to declining company culture, not solely for financial gain.
- He prioritized his happiness and well-being over maximizing potential profits.