The Tables Turned: Evernote's Phil Libin Interviews Sarah Lacy

TL;DR

Phil Libin interviews Sarah Lacy at an event, discussing topics such as being a CEO, parenting, trust in tech companies, and running a non-slimy ad-supported business.

Transcript

alright we are in the home stretch and I am so amazed there's still so many butts in seats this is amazing it means we're doing our job in some way to keep you guys happy so thank you so much we are going to move right into our conversation with Phil Libin from Evernote and then after that we are going to have our winner in term sheet negotiation l... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Being a CEO often requires trying new things and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
• ☄️ The simplest explanation is not always the obvious one when it comes to startups and venture capital.
• 💗 Trust in tech companies, particularly regarding privacy and data collection, is a growing concern.
• 🫠 Building a non-slimy ad-supported business requires respecting readers' time and intelligence and making decisions that prioritize trust over revenue.
• 🔇 The location of events can significantly impact the attendee experience and the level of interaction with speakers.
• ❓ The mentorship and support of experienced entrepreneurs can influence the success and trajectory of startup competitions.
• 🙈 Emerging markets, particularly China, are becoming essential for tech companies, and ignoring these markets can affect valuations and global growth.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does being a role model as a woman in the tech industry shape Sarah Lacy's views on parenting?

Lacy believes that not constantly being around her children and having her own passions and career can teach them about strong women and create a deep bond in their relationship.

Q: How does Lacy handle asking tough questions as a reporter while being empathetic as a CEO?

Lacy acknowledges that she can still ask tough questions but struggles with empathizing with entrepreneurs when they face challenges, as she has experienced similar issues in building her own company.

Q: Does Lacy trust tech companies like Google with her personal data?

Lacy is deeply freaked out by the amount of data that Google has access to, including her thoughts and conversations. She expresses a lack of trust in Google and has taken steps to move away from using their services, such as moving off Google Mail.

Q: How does Pando ensure trust with readers and advertisers?

Pando focuses on respecting readers' time and intelligence, limiting ads and building ad products that have a specific marketing purpose for a select group of advertisers. They also make decisions that prioritize trust, even at the cost of potential revenue.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Phil Libin and Sarah Lacy engage in a conversation during an event, discussing their experiences as CEOs and their views on parenting.

• Lacy explains that she believes being a role model and not constantly hovering around her children will allow them to see strong women in the world.

• The conversation also touches on the importance of trust in tech companies, with Lacy expressing her concerns about privacy and data collection by companies like Google.

• Lacy shares insights about running a non-slimy ad-supported business, highlighting the importance of respecting readers' time and intelligence.