Grit How Notion Reimagined Productivity Tools | Ivan Zhao
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Aug 4, 2025 
Ivan Zhao, co-founder and CEO of Notion, dives into the power of minimalist design as a differentiator in a crowded software market. He discusses the slow arrival of AI agents in productivity and how Notion's modular system aims to bridge that gap. Reflecting on his journey from Canada to Silicon Valley, Zhao shares insights on mentorship and innovation. He also touches on the art of hiring, emphasizing casual conversations to find the right cultural fit and the balance between work and personal well-being in today's tech landscape.
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Coding Flow in Japan
- Ivan Zhao vividly describes coding for hours to find flow state while listening to music during early Notion development in Japan.
- He finds deep satisfaction in building despite repetitiveness, likening company-building to raising a child.
Simplicity Over Complexity
- Ivan prefers simplicity and directness in life, like choosing burritos over fancy dinners to save time and reduce complexity.
- This preference reflects a broader theme of valuing straightforwardness and pragmatism over elaborate embellishments.
Computing as a Universal Medium
- Early computing pioneers envisioned computers as a malleable medium like reading and writing for everyone to shape.
- Today, computing remains mostly accessible only to programmers, limiting this original vision's fulfillment.