a16z Podcast When Business is Battle: Inside the Boardrooms of the CEOs that Survived the Storm
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Nov 23, 2023 Ariel Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Navon, and Todd McKinnon, co-founder and CEO of Okta, dive into the tumultuous world of leading companies through crises. They share personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing rapid declines in revenue and the emotional toll on teams. The conversation highlights the importance of strategic pivots, such as developing innovative products during downtime, and the complexities of hiring motivated employees. Join them as they navigate resilience, adaptability, and leadership challenges in today's unpredictable business landscape.
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Navan's COVID-19 Crisis
- Navan, a travel company, grew rapidly to a $100 million run rate before COVID-19.
- The pandemic caused Navan to lose all its revenue in just two days.
Strategic Hiring
- Carefully consider employee hires, even during periods of growth.
- The right employees are crucial for navigating inevitable crises.
Evaluating Employees
- Differentiate between mission-driven employees and those seeking personal gain.
- Evaluate if opportunistic hires truly add value in the long run.