

Notion Podcast
Notion
Candid conversations with the people shaping the world of technology — from pioneers of computer history to founders at the world’s leading startups. For more information, visit: https://www.notion.so/blog/topic/first-block
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 28min
First Block: Interview with Varun Anand, Co-Founder of Clay
Varun Anand, co-founder of Clay, discusses his journey in the world of go-to-market strategies and AI integration. He emphasizes the significance of finding product-market fit through creativity rather than just hard work. Anand shares insights on transitioning from a sales-led to a self-serve model, focusing on customer feedback and innovation. He highlights the role of diverse hiring practices and stresses the importance of maintaining authenticity in entrepreneurship amid the rise of AI. Tune in for valuable tips for startup growth!

38 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 24min
First Block: Interview with Michael Truell, Co-Founder & CEO of Cursor
Michael Truell, Co-founder and CEO of Cursor, shares his journey in creating an AI code editor that’s become a lightning-fast success. He delves into the decision to pursue a solution before identifying a problem and breaks down the unconventional path his team took, focusing on product over process. Truell discusses the explosive growth of Cursor, the challenges of early hiring, and the philosophy of maintaining focus in a rapidly evolving landscape. He concludes with valuable advice for aspiring founders in the AI era.

68 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 50min
First Block: Interview with Ivan Zhao and Simon Last, Co-Founders of Notion
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.

Feb 22, 2024 • 45min
First Block: Interview with Adeyemi Ajao, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Base10 Partners
This podcast episode delves into Adeyemi Ajao's journey as an entrepreneur, immigrant in Silicon Valley, and investor. Topics include co-founder relationships, building an authentic community, learning to be a CEO, the positivity of Silicon Valley, and the ultimate diversity. Ade shares insights on company growth, embracing diversity, and his daily routine and career philosophy.

Jan 10, 2024 • 47min
First Block: Interview with Vlad Magdalin, Co-Founder and CEO of Webflow
Vlad Magdalin, Co-Founder and CEO of Webflow, discusses the early days of Webflow, sustainable growth, hiring principles, user feedback, the 'no-code' revolution, and more in this entertaining and informative podcast.

5 snips
Dec 19, 2023 • 40min
First Block: Interview with Daniela Amodei, Co-founder of Anthropic
Daniela Amodei, Co-Founder & President at Anthropic, discusses building a strong team of founders, navigating role changes, and the importance of feedback in scaling a company. They also explore advancements in AI, the challenges of building a product in the AI space, responsible scaling, and the balance between work and personal life.

11 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 47min
First Block: Interview with Mathilde Collin, Co-Founder & CEO of Front
Mathilde Collin, Co-Founder & CEO of Front, discusses hiring first employees and the importance of radical transparency. They explore designing a better work email experience, self-confidence and gender disparity, gathering feedback for product iteration, building customer connections, and the significance of flexibility and transparency for startups.

Nov 16, 2023 • 42min
First Block: Interview with Christina Cacioppo, Co-Founder & CEO of Vanta
Christina Cacioppo is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vanta, a pioneer in trust management platforms. In this discussion, she shares her journey of transitioning from venture capital to entrepreneurship. Topics include the evolving landscape of data security, the innovative strategies behind simplifying SOC 2 certification, and the significance of customer feedback in product development. Christina also emphasizes the importance of strategic planning in nurturing company culture and the rationale behind delaying venture capital until key revenue milestones are hit.

Nov 14, 2023 • 42min
First Block: Interview with Julianna Lamb, Co-Founder & CTO of Stytch
Julianna Lamb, Co-Founder & CTO of Stytch, discusses her journey in the tech world, focusing on solving authentication challenges. She shares insights on transitioning from contributor to founder during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of values in hiring. Julianna explains how they optimized their engineering team's processes and highlights the evolution of leadership dynamics as the company grew. Additionally, she explores adapting market strategies based on customer feedback and the critical role of open-source software in fostering community collaboration.

7 snips
Oct 17, 2023 • 39min
First Block: Interview with Parker Conrad, Co-Founder & CEO of Rippling
Parker Conrad, Co-Founder and CEO of Rippling, shares insights and challenges of starting companies. They discuss the motivation behind starting Rippling, the need for naivete in the startup world, building a compound product, a day in the life of the CEO, and reflecting on a career journey with highs and lows.