B2BaCEO (with Ashu Garg) cover image

B2BaCEO (with Ashu Garg)

How to Rewrite the Rules of 'Founder Mode' (Frank Slootman, Chairman, Board of Directors, Snowflake)

Nov 1, 2024
Frank Slootman, Chairman of the Board at Snowflake, shares his groundbreaking perspective on leadership by blending passion with managerial skill. He challenges the traditional 'founder vs. manager' mindset, emphasizing the importance of intellectual honesty and the need for adaptable leadership. Frank also discusses the critical balance between empowerment and hands-on involvement, drawing insights from his experiences at Snowflake and ServiceNow. Lastly, he touches on the transformative impact of AI and the future of app ecosystems in business.
51:22

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Successful leadership requires a blend of a founder's passion and a manager's strategy, adapting to the company's evolving needs.
  • Intellectual honesty fosters trust and accountability, enabling leaders to confront realities and drive coherent team performance.

Deep dives

The Role of Non-Founder Managers

Non-founder managers can bring significant energy and passion to a company, matching the drive typically associated with founders. Their ability to inspire stakeholders—employees, investors, and customers—allows them to seamlessly integrate into the company culture. This immersion fosters a strong connection with the organization, breaking the stereotype of managers being isolated figures. Over time, they become essential to the fabric of the company, driving growth and enhancing morale.

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