Ivan Zhao

Ivan Zhao, CEO and co-founder of Notion, shares his captivating journey from a small town in China to shaping a leading productivity platform. He reveals the challenges Notion faced during COVID, including a near collapse due to database constraints. Discover why he believes in 'sugar-coating the broccoli' for product appeal and the value of a lean team in fostering innovation. Zhao discusses the balance of craft and values in product development, community-led growth tactics, and how these principles paved the way for Notion's success.

Ivan Zhao, cofounder and CEO of Notion, shares insights into his philosophy of productivity and the transformative journey of Notion. He likens Notion to the 'Lego of productivity tools,' emphasizing its versatility and user-friendly design. The conversation dives into the impact of AI on software, particularly how it enhances onboarding and streamlines workflows. Zhao also discusses the future of work and education, highlighting the need for innovation over mere employee numbers. Discover how Notion plans to evolve in the AI-driven landscape!

Ivan Zhao and Simon Last, co-founders of Notion, share their intriguing journey of building a productivity tool from scratch. They discuss the delicate balance between product readiness and marketing strategies during the early days. The duo highlights the nurturing of a passionate company culture and the importance of user feedback. They also dive into the transformative impact of AI on tech, emphasizing curiosity and adaptability. Expect personal anecdotes that uncover entrepreneurial challenges and their vision for the future.

Ivan Zhao, co-founder and CEO of Notion, dives deep into the future of productivity tools. He discusses how RAG models enhance information retrieval, allowing users to navigate their data more intuitively. Zhao highlights Notion's innovative Q&A interface and how the integration of AI is transforming traditional software systems. He also explores the shift from rigid organization to flexible, search-driven knowledge management, and how Notion is tackling challenges within the fragmented SaaS landscape, guiding teams toward a more cohesive and creative workspace.

Ivan Zhao, co-founder and CEO of Notion, dives into the power of minimalist design as a differentiator in a crowded software market. He discusses the slow arrival of AI agents in productivity and how Notion's modular system aims to bridge that gap. Reflecting on his journey from Canada to Silicon Valley, Zhao shares insights on mentorship and innovation. He also touches on the art of hiring, emphasizing casual conversations to find the right cultural fit and the balance between work and personal well-being in today's tech landscape.