Source: Fortune
Summary
Zillow’s CEO Jeremy Wacksman shares how he left a comfortable job at Microsoft in 2009 to join the real estate startup, despite the poor market conditions. Wacksman credits his marketing degree and experience working on mobile projects at Microsoft for his success at Zillow. He rose through the ranks, taking on various roles, and eventually became CEO in August 2024. Wacksman emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities and learning from failures.
Our Reading
The strategy enters a familiar phase.
Jeremy Wacksman’s career path is a prime example of how saying “yes” to new responsibilities can lead to success. He left Microsoft to join Zillow in 2009, a time when the real estate market was struggling. Wacksman’s experience working on mobile projects at Microsoft proved to be a valuable asset for Zillow, as he led the effort to launch the company’s app on the iPhone. His willingness to take on new challenges ultimately led to his appointment as CEO in 2024.
It’s a classic tale of corporate opportunism.
Author: Evan Null
