https://dnl.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/uploads/9qQugPhxlNexdmSCE9KT4nhB8MwzKs4v2PW71n6U.jpg

Evan Spiegel

SNAP, CEO
EPISODE 3

Secrets of Fostering Innovation

Today’s guest is Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap. 

The tech world is driven by innovation. And Snapchat has set the gold standard for getting new ideas to take off, ever since 2011 when Evan Spiegel co-founded the company while he was a student at Stanford. 

But there’s a lot more to Snapchat’s success than just having these good ideas. They have created a culture where those ideas can actually develop.

They have communicated those ideas to teams and stakeholders. Oh, and most importantly, they have actually turned those ideas into reality.

But it hasn’t always been easy – especially back in 2018 when some of those new ideas triggered an 80% drop in stock price and a very public outcry.

Now, of course, you may not be out to build Silicon’s Valley’s next big thing.

But every leader needs to know how to create a culture where big ideas thrive and become reality. So if you want to understand the secrets of fostering innovation, then you don’t want to miss this episode.

You’ll also learn:

  • A fundamental insight about human nature that will change how you think about product development
  • The one thing Evan wished he’d fully understood about going public
  • The #1 piece of advice Evan got early on – and probably what you need to hear today
  • What mistakes to avoid when you’re growing quickly
  • His surprising response to competitors ripping off his company’s products
  • Practical ways Evan grew – and keeps growing – in his leadership role 
  • The one common denominator in all Evan’s biggest past mistakes (and how it helps him now)

Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources:

The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go 

Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day

Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

More from Evan Spiegel

Know when to listen to criticism (and when not to)
Criticism can help you grow, but not all of it is worth absorbing. Stay open to feedback that matters—and let the rest of it go!
Ideas are not scarce resources that need to be protected
Don’t guard your ideas. Instead, share them and focus on execution. Innovation comes from generating and refining ideas, not hoarding them.

Get daily insights delivered straight to your inbox every morning

Short (but powerful) leadership advice from entrepreneurs and CEOs of top companies like JPMorgan Chase, Target, Starbucks and more.

Clips

  • Make long-term decisions in the best interest of your company
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Learn how human behavior can constrain your products
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Know when to listen to criticism (and when to not)
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Have a process for educating new hires on your culture
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • A kind culture creates a safe space for creativity
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Eliminate fear so your people can express themselves
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Durable business value starts with sustainable engagement
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Let your customers guide innovation
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Create feedback loops that encourage product use
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Grow your business by solving real human problems
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Ideas are not scarce resources that need to be protected
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Continuous curiosity is an asset worth investing in
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Explain how short term goals ladder up to long term vision
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO
  • Resolve conflict with your team members — not for them
    Evan Spiegel
    Evan Spiegel
    SNAP, CEO

Explore more topical advice from the world’s top leaders in the How Leaders Lead App

The #1 app to help you become a better boss, coach, or leader
Apple App Store