ACQ2 by Acquired Making your customers your secret weapon (with Highspot's Oliver Sharp)
Apr 29, 2021
Oliver Sharp, co-founder of Highspot and former Microsoft insider, shares insights from his vast tech experience. He discusses how software companies can prioritize customer-led growth, turning clients into their secret weapon. The conversation delves into the importance of strong customer relationships, innovative content organization strategies, and the role of service in tech. Oliver also emphasizes effective communication and the shift from product-driven to relationship-focused business models. It's a deep dive into the architecture of successful customer engagement.
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Bill Gates' Technical Advisor
- Oliver Sharp served on Bill Gates' technical advisory staff, providing an independent voice on technical challenges and team conflicts.
- They also organized Gates' Think Week and attended Bill G reviews, gaining broad insight into Microsoft's projects.
Three-Time Microsoft Veteran
- Oliver Sharp worked at Microsoft three times, starting as an intern in 1984 when it was a 600-person company.
- He later returned after Microsoft acquired his startup and then again at the request of his Highspot co-founder.
Small Teams, Big Impact
- Smaller product units, around 30-50 people, foster greater cohesion and a shared sense of purpose, like primate troops or hunter-gatherer groups.
- This lean structure, exemplified by early Microsoft product units with minimal overhead, allows for focused execution.