

EP 128: Jay Chaudhry (CEO, Zscaler) On Picking The Best Markets, Risking Everything, & Scaling to $30B
27 snips Jan 17, 2025
Jay Chaudhry, the resilient CEO of Zscaler, shares his incredible journey from a remote Himalayan village to scaling his cybersecurity company to a $30B valuation. He discusses the importance of taking risks, including betting his life savings to launch his first venture. Jay emphasizes selecting the right market and leveraging AI for modern cybersecurity challenges. He also reflects on cultivating a disruptive corporate culture and maintaining family values while navigating the complexities of leadership and the tech industry.
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Humble Beginnings
- Jay Chaudhry reflects on his upbringing in a Himalayan village without basic amenities like electricity until 8th grade and water until 10th grade.
- This contrasts sharply with his current success as CEO of a $30B company, highlighting his journey.
First Flight to the US
- Chaudhry's children have visited his childhood village to appreciate their privileged lives.
- His first flight was to the US in 1980 for a master's degree after graduating from IIT, highlighting his focus on education.
Keys to Success
- Cultivate a love for learning and reading to better understand things.
- Work hard and strive to be number one, embracing opportunities to excel.