Wang: Letting new external executives build large teams quickly causes ruin
Alexandr Wang · Why Human Data is Key to AI: Alexandr Wang from Scale AI · Sep 24, 2024 · at 28:08
Alexandr Wang, founder and CEO of Scale AI, discusses executive hiring pitfalls for high-growth startups during an interview with David George on the a16z podcast.
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“I think this almost always results in ruin. I think that this isn't to say that you can't hire executives from the outside, but I think what you need to do when you hire executives from the outside is you really like, you like, they really get steeped in how the company works, and before they make any major sweeping suggestions, they like, they get into the rhythm and the operations of the company, and they understand why, why does the whole thing work in the first place? Why are the things that are working, working? And then they make thoughtful suggestions. Initially, you know, they take small steps, and you sort of like, you trust and verify each of these small steps, and eventually maybe they can make more sweeping suggestions, but it should be at a point where they have a clear track record of making small steps that, that have been really beneficial.”
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