Justin McLeod

Justin McLeod, founder and CEO of Hinge, shares his journey from heartbreak to building one of the world's leading dating apps, focusing on meaningful connections. He discusses overcoming addiction and the societal stigma surrounding dating apps, revealing how these experiences shaped his vision. McLeod emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in modern relationships, the evolving dating culture among younger generations, and how AI can enhance matchmaking while maintaining human connections.

Justin McLeod, the Founder and CEO of Hinge, shares his remarkable journey from heartbreak to entrepreneurship. He reveals how personal experiences influenced the app's evolution into a space for meaningful connections. In discussing the challenges of launching within a saturated market, he reflects on pivotal shifts, user engagement strategies, and the impact of the pandemic on dating dynamics. McLeod’s heartfelt anecdotes and insights highlight the quest for authenticity in a digital dating world, underscoring Hinge's mission of being 'designed to be deleted.'

In this episode of the OMR Podcast, we're talking with CEO and founder of Hinge Justin McLeod, the dating app "designed to be deleted. We talked about Hinge's long road to success, the company business model, why he completely tore down Hinge back in 2015 and why the company has no need for standard performance metrics like retention and engagement.

Justin McLeod, the Founder and CEO of Hinge, shares his journey from heartbreak to creating a dating app designed for meaningful relationships. He discusses how personal experiences shaped Hinge's evolution and the challenges he faced in a saturated market. McLeod also reflects on Hinge's relaunch, emphasizing user engagement and thoughtful design. The conversation touches on the app's growth during the pandemic and its ultimate acquisition by Match Group, highlighting the resilience and innovation required to thrive in the dating landscape.

In this engaging discussion, marketing leaders including Musa Tarek, who has shaped brands at Apple and Nike, and WWE's Stephanie McMahon, advocate for women's empowerment in sports. Justin McLeod of Hinge shares insights on dating app evolution during the pandemic, emphasizing meaningful connections. Jennifer Say reflects on her journey from gymnast to CMO, advocating for transparency. Alan Miller highlights the importance of media literacy in combating misinformation, while Renise Thomas shares strategies for impactful marketing during crises. A rich blend of experiences illuminates the path to modern leadership.