Stanford GSB: View From The Top S8E1: Roelof Botha Doesn’t Believe in “the Top”
12 snips
Apr 9, 2025 
Roelof Botha, leader of Sequoia Capital and Stanford GSB alum, shares his remarkable journey from South Africa to Silicon Valley. He discusses the influence of mentors and the value of continuous growth in life and business. Personal stories reveal his lessons on ambition and the immigrant experience in entrepreneurship. Botha also emphasizes the importance of philanthropic efforts within the Stanford community and the mindset shifts required for making bold career decisions. Ultimately, he reflects on legacy and the balance between personal success and making a meaningful impact on others.
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Partner's Influence at Stanford
- Roelof Botha met his wife Hoefin at Stanford, who became his life and thought partner.
- Her advice encouraged him to join PayPal despite his fears of startups.
Tough PayPal Early Days
- Botha faced visa hurdles before joining PayPal, surviving tough early days with limited funds.
- He became CFO at 27 and led PayPal through IPO and acquisition by eBay.
Think Long-Term Career
- Expand your career decision time horizon to avoid short-sighted trade-offs.
- Take calculated risks early to open more future opportunities and enjoy your career arc.
