Evan Sharp

On operating at the highest level

“The trick for us is to build a company that makes money as a result of every single one of our disciplines operating at the highest level. Building a product in service of a business is the only way to make something long, long, long term. Like people say, Apple is a design company, which it is, but really that means everyone is doing an amazing job at their craft. We’re trying to tie the value of our product to every function—engineering, design, support, content, marketing, sales, all of them—doing high-quality work. We give everyone the scope and the challenge to be the best at what they do and that inherently makes value for Pinners and for Pinterest.” (from Designer Fund)

On the founder’s role

“It never makes sense to delegate the mission to another team. Being a founder is about purpose and meaning. Of course, founders have strategic and operational responsibilities. But the most important role of the founder is fundamentally a spiritual one. It’s their responsibility to ensure that the spiritual essence of the company shows up with integrity throughout the product, brand and internal culture.” (from Bessemer Venture Partners)