Canva Founder Melanie Perkins on WFH with Guy Raz | How I Built This | NPR | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this video, Guy Raz interviews Melanie Perkins, the co-founder of Canva, about how the company has navigated the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Melanie addresses topics such as remote work, supporting small businesses, the transition to online design, and the future of Canva.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has Canva been affected by the pandemic?

Canva has been fortunate to be in a position where they have experienced growth during the pandemic. With more small businesses transitioning online and an increased need for design, Canva has seen a surge in users and usage.

Q: Has Canva had to face layoffs?

No, Canva has not had to lay off any employees. They were in a financially stable position, and with the company's growth, they have been able to continue operating without significant disruptions.

Q: What is Canva's approach to remote work?

Currently, all Canva employees are working from home. Although there may be an option to return to the office in the future, Canva is focusing on providing flexibility to its employees and ensuring their safety and well-being.

Q: How has the transition to online work been for Canva?

Canva already had a strong online presence and culture prior to the pandemic, so the transition to remote work has been relatively smooth. However, the company is also aware of the challenges faced by its users, such as students and teachers, and is working to support them through this transition.

Q: Will Canva offer permanent remote work options like other companies?

Canva acknowledges that the world is changing and their approach to work will also evolve. While face-to-face interaction has been an important part of their culture, Canva has successfully brought much of their culture online during the pandemic. They will continue to prioritize their employees' well-being and provide flexibility in the future.

Q: Has Canva seen a growth in paying customers during the pandemic?

Yes, Canva has seen an increase in paying customers. The shift to online business and education has created a greater demand for design tools and Canva has been able to meet those needs.

Q: What can small businesses expect from Canva in terms of partnerships and features?

Canva recently expanded their library of images available in the paid version, offering more value to small businesses. They continue to work on improving the user experience and are planning exciting new features. Canva aims to make the design process smooth and seamless for users.

Q: How does Canva approach marketing during this time?

Canva focuses on providing value to its community by helping solve problems and offering resources. They have invested in design education and provide materials that are helpful and valuable to bloggers and small businesses. Canva believes in building relationships and providing solutions rather than just advertising.

Q: As an introverted CEO, what advice can Melanie Perkins give to introverted entrepreneurs who struggle to put themselves out there?

Melanie emphasizes the importance of having a goal and prioritizing it above all else. When there is a clear goal in mind, introversion takes a backseat and the focus shifts towards achieving that goal. Learning from experience and continuous learning are key in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

Q: How has Melanie's leadership style evolved as Canva has grown?

Melanie believes that leadership is a continuous work in progress. With the growth of Canva, she has seen the company's culture thrive and the team come together during challenging times. Canva's mission to be a force for good has rallied the entire team, and the focus remains on supporting the community rather than just financial outcomes.

Q: How has the pandemic affected the way people design?

People have shifted their design needs from physical objects like business cards and flyers to digital assets for online platforms. The pandemic has brought about a significant change in the types of designs people are creating, with a focus on social media, e-commerce, online communications, presentations, and virtual celebrations.

Q: How does Canva monetize its free version?

Canva believes in providing value and accessibility to all users. The free version is funded by the revenue generated from the paid subscriptions. Canva's goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to great design tools.

Takeaways

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges and opportunities for Canva. While the company has not faced layoffs and has experienced growth, their focus remains on supporting their community, including small businesses, students, and teachers. Canva has successfully transitioned to remote work and continues to provide value through design education and resources. The shift in design needs towards online platforms has influenced Canva's strategy, and they are committed to evolving with the changing world while prioritizing accessibility and innovation in design.