OPERATORS E100: Harley on Operators
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Mar 12, 2025 
Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, shares insights on leading a rapidly growing e-commerce platform. He discusses the evolution of roles in company building, the power of storytelling, and the significance of long-term leadership. Harley highlights the importance of specializing in skills and maintaining transparency in public companies. He dives into how AI is transforming customer acquisition and service. The conversation also touches on the supportive e-commerce community and how platforms like Shopify empower entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive.
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Phases of Company Building
- Company building has distinct phases: Get-Stuff-Done, specialization, and "spiky objects."
- Spiky objects refer to focusing on individual strengths to maximize value creation.
Develop Your Superpower
- Focus on identifying and developing a "superpower" within your role.
- Pursue greatness in that area, even if you never fully achieve it.
Brennan Lowe's Journey
- Brennan Lowe started as a Shopify intern and now runs branded Shopify.
- Finkelstein recognized Lowe's narrative and spectacle understanding, crucial for brand marketing.