Max Levchin

Max Levchin, the visionary behind Affirm and co-founder of PayPal, shares his insights on hiring top talent and managing extreme personalities. He challenges the traditional talent grading system, arguing it's outdated. Levchin also underscores the importance of learning from failure over success and advocates for a robust writing culture within companies. He discusses creating transparent post-mortems to foster continuous improvement and how to navigate the competitive landscape of the 'buy now, pay later' market.

Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal and founder of Affirm, shares his journey from Soviet Ukraine to Silicon Valley's tech scene. He discusses the formation of PayPal with notable figures like Elon Musk and the challenges they faced, including Musk's ouster as CEO. Levchin reflects on the intense work culture and pivotal moments in the company's rapid growth, driven by innovation. His transition to entrepreneurship after PayPal's acquisition by eBay showcases his relentless drive to create impactful fintech solutions.

Max Levchin, Co-founder of PayPal, discusses the challenges of navigating early inflection points and battling fraud in the fledgling business. Topics include the rivalry with X.com, intense competition and paranoia, leadership changes, fighting fraud with CAPTCHA, and the long-lasting impact of PayPal's fraud-fighting tools.

Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal and Affirm, shares his fascinating journey from Soviet Ukraine to Silicon Valley. He discusses transforming a simple idea into PayPal, the fierce competition in the tech landscape, and the emotional upheaval of witnessing Elon Musk's ousting as CEO. Levchin reveals the startup challenges they faced, such as fundraising and user adoption, while navigating the dynamic culture of the 'PayPal Mafia.' The conversation delves into the origins of his entrepreneurial spirit and the pivotal moments that shaped the future of online payments.

In this podcast, Max Levchin and Jackie Reses shared their journey in fintech, discussing personal challenges and future innovations. They touched on algorithmic lending, Square's impact, and global money movement. The episode also included insights on starting a fertility tech company and staying active by cycling during lockdown.

Max Levchin, the Ukrainian-American tech pioneer who co-founded PayPal and later launched Affirm, shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of consumer lending, reflecting on a 43% growth at Affirm. Jim Belosic, CEO of SendCutSend, discusses how he's scaled a rapid manufacturing company to 350 employees without venture capital, merging software with manufacturing. They dive into the impact of social media on collectibles, the economics behind Pop Mart's mystery boxes, and the changing dynamics in the toy industry, driven by innovative marketing and consumer behavior.

Max Levchin, an entrepreneur and fintech pioneer known for co-founding PayPal and launching Affirm, shares his journey of rediscovery after leaving PayPal. He candidly discusses the struggles he faced in finding purpose post-success and the motivation behind creating solutions for credit challenges. Maximizing innovation, he highlights the transformative power of Buy Now, Pay Later services over traditional models, democratizing access to credit. Levchin also reflects on the balance of luck and hard work in navigating the evolving financial landscape.

Cheryl McKissick-Daniel, CEO of a historic construction firm, shares inspiring tales of her family's legacy and their pivotal projects. Rick Caruso, real estate mogul and former LA mayoral candidate, discusses urban development trends. Max Levchin, CEO of Affirm, explores the Buy Now, Pay Later revolution and its impact on consumer habits. Ted Leonsis delves into the synergy of sports and technology in enhancing fan engagement, while Derek Sprague outlines the PGA's innovative efforts to grow golf's appeal. Together, they highlight resilience in business and community.

Max Levchin, Co-Founder & CEO at Affirm, shares insights on the fintech landscape and the rise of buy-now-pay-later services. He discusses the potential risks and the growing consumer interest shaping financial trends. Derek Sprague, CEO of PGA of America, explores the upcoming Ryder Cup and the efforts to make golf more accessible, highlighting its resurgence during the pandemic. Jason Kelly, Bloomberg Originals Chief Correspondent, reflects on the newest season of “The Deal,” emphasizing the evolving narratives in sports and business.

Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal and founder of Affirm, shares his entrepreneurial journey from tech pioneer to fintech innovator. He recounts a humbling moment when a poor credit score forced an all-cash car purchase, sparking his drive for change. Levchin delves into the inadequacies of traditional credit scores and the emotional rollercoaster of PayPal's meteoric rise. He emphasizes the mission behind Affirm, aiming to create inclusive financial solutions that prioritize consumer well-being amidst evolving regulatory landscapes.