The High Flyers Podcast with Vidit Agarwal cover image

The High Flyers Podcast with Vidit Agarwal

#199 Farnaz Azmoodeh: Iran to LA, Mastering Engineering at Google, Monetising Snapchat, and becoming CTO at Linktree

Mar 25, 2025
Farnaz Azmoodeh, the accomplished CTO at Linktree, shares her inspiring journey from Tehran to becoming a leading voice in tech. With rich experiences at Google and Snap, she discusses the cultural significance of engineering in Iran and her rise through the ranks in competitive environments. Farnaz touches upon her transition from an introvert to a tech leader, balancing work-life dynamics, and fostering innovation. She also reflects on resilience and the strategic challenges startups face in global expansion, offering valuable insights into navigating the tech landscape.
01:10:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Farnaz Azmoodeh's childhood in a resilient engineering family in Iran instilled a strong work ethic and adaptability in her approach to challenges.
  • Her decade-long experience at Google during its formative years provided her with deep technical skills and a nuanced understanding of corporate culture.

Deep dives

Background and Early Influences

Farnas Asmoudis, born in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war, grew up in a resilient engineering family that shaped her work ethic and approach to challenges. She recalls a childhood filled with love and warmth despite the tumultuous environment, largely due to her family's strong bonds and cultural emphasis on education and engineering. Farnas’s grandfather, known for his creative problem-solving and work ethic, served as a significant influence, inspiring her to embrace resilience and adaptability in her own life. This foundational experience of growing up in a challenging environment helped her develop a unique perspective on stress and obstacles, allowing her to maintain composure during high-pressure situations later in her career.

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