Episode description

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Zeb Evans, Founder and CEO of ClickUp.

ClickUp, founded in 2017, has rapidly grown into a comprehensive productivity platform, consolidating multiple work tools into a single application. The company has raised $537.5 million in funding and achieved a valuation of $4 billion. ClickUp now serves over 14 million users and 3 million teams, including notable clients like Netflix and Spotify.

As Founder, CEO, and CPO of ClickUp, Zeb leads both the company and product strategy, maintaining a hands-on approach to product development. He played a pivotal role in developing ClickUp Knowledge Management, an AI-powered tool that integrates data from various sources to enhance workplace productivity.
In this episode, we explore ClickUp's journey from a startup to a major player in the project management space, the integration of AI in productivity tools, and Zeb's unique approach to product leadership. We also discuss how personal challenges have shaped Zeb's business philosophy and how ClickUp balances Product-Led Growth with Sales-Led Growth.

What you'll learn:
- How Zeb's narcolepsy and near-death experiences influenced ClickUp's development.
- ClickUp's strategy for competing in the crowded project management space.
- The implementation of AI in productivity tools and its impact on product teams.
- Zeb's unconventional approach to product management and company structure.
- How ClickUp balances Product-Led Growth with Sales-Led Growth in B2B SaaS.

Key Takeaways👇:
Personal Challenges Drive Innovation: Zeb's experiences with narcolepsy and near-death incidents have shaped his approach to business and product development.
Hands-On Leadership: Zeb emphasizes the importance of founders maintaining control over product development, even as the company scales.
AI-Powered Productivity: ClickUp is leveraging AI to enhance workplace productivity, as demonstrated by their Knowledge Management tool.
Flexible Product Development: Zeb advocates for building initial versions of new features in just two weeks, forcing critical thinking about core functionality.
Continuous Learning: Zeb's practice of journaling and annual review highlights the importance of reflecting on past lessons to drive future success.

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Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Zeb Evans