The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

#212 Alfred Lin: How to Think (and Work) Like a World-Class Investor

1997 snips
Jan 21, 2025
Alfred Lin, a partner at Sequoia Capital with a notable background in leading Zappos, Airbnb, and DoorDash, shares his wisdom on startup growth and resilience. He discusses the importance of hiring for potential and navigating crises through first-principles thinking. Lin delves into innovative strategies for building strong company cultures and prioritizing customer experience. Discover how his experiences have shaped his investment mindset, emphasizing adaptability and long-lasting value creation amidst challenges.
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ANECDOTE

Early Life Lessons

  • Alfred Lin's parents described him as high variance and high beta due to his unconventional approach to problem-solving, like climbing a dresser at age two.
  • His teacher, Mrs. Einstein, challenged him to think about enduring impact over short-term gains, changing his perspective on life.
ANECDOTE

Learning Teamwork

  • Alfred Lin was suspended from the computer lab for building a game that distracted other students.
  • His teacher, Mrs. Pitosa, then encouraged him to join the math team, where he learned the value of teamwork.
ADVICE

Hiring and Firing

  • Hire slowly and understand who you're hiring.
  • Let go of employees who aren't working out quickly, which can significantly affect a company's velocity.
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