How I Built This with Guy Raz

Remembering Tony Hsieh of Zappos

Nov 30, 2020
Tony Hsieh, the visionary former CEO of Zappos, transformed the shoe industry with his unique approach to customer service and company culture. He shares his journey through the dot-com boom and the challenges Zappos faced during its early struggles. Hsieh emphasizes the significance of company culture and the innovative strategies that drove Zappos to success. He reflects on the role of luck in shaping the company's fortunes and discusses the value of experiences over material wealth. An inspiring look at a life dedicated to exceptional service.
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ANECDOTE

Childhood Trickery

  • As a child, Tony Hsieh tricked his parents into thinking he practiced violin and piano by playing recordings of himself.
  • Surprisingly, his teachers couldn't understand why he never improved.
ANECDOTE

LinkExchange and Culture

  • Tony Hsieh, after a short stint at Oracle, co-founded LinkExchange, a web advertising company, with his college roommate.
  • They sold it to Microsoft for $265 million but the deteriorating company culture led to his departure.
INSIGHT

Prioritizing Fulfillment

  • Tony Hsieh prioritized personal fulfillment over maximizing financial gains after selling LinkExchange.
  • He left money on the table, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with personal values.
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