How Leaders Lead with David Novak #239: Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon – Start with the customer and work backward
39 snips
May 15, 2025 
In this enlightening conversation, Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon and former head of AWS, shares his insights on customer obsession as a driving force in business. He reveals the importance of creating press releases and FAQs before product launches to ensure clarity. Jassy reflects on shadowing Jeff Bezos and the leadership lessons learned along the way. He discusses the transformative potential of AI in enhancing customer experiences and the delicate balance between humility and confidence in leadership.
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Career Path Shift to Amazon
- Andy Jassy shared how a chance Amazon interview altered his career path from sportscasting to tech.
- Originally planning a brief West Coast stay, he ended up dedicating nearly 28 years to Amazon.
Learning from Public Failure
- Andy recounted a tough presentation where Jeff Bezos called out errors publicly.
- This failure built his confidence to handle high-pressure challenges and move past mistakes.
Leadership Lessons from Bezos
- Shadowing Jeff Bezos gave Andy a unique insight into leadership and decision-making.
- He learned high standards, shifting focus rapidly, and asking for more than teams think they can deliver.
