This Week in Startups E1108: SurveyMonkey CEO Zander Lurie on leading a public company through COVID, championing diversity from the top down, role of a modern CEO & more
Sep 12, 2020
Zander Lurie, CEO of SurveyMonkey, shares insights on leading a public company through the disruptive COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the challenges of remote work and the crucial role of company culture in adapting to change. Lurie emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in corporate culture and the need for diversity in leadership positions. He also explores the evolving skills required of modern CEOs, highlighting social responsibility and the value of human connections as vital to fostering strong team dynamics.
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Pandemic Realization
- Zander Lurie realized the pandemic's severity in mid-February after talking to Eric Yuan about Zoom's increasing demand.
- Observing the concerns around travel and attending a Warriors game with an uneasy feeling further solidified his understanding.
Managing Remote Teams
- Define clear goals for employees in a remote work setting.
- Evaluate productivity based on actual output rather than just presence or perceived effort.
Remote Work Focus
- Remote work requires more focus on strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.
- Managers need to be accountable for their teams' performance and well-being, especially mental health.