Philip Moyer reflects on his impactful experience at Amazon, highlighting the company’s prioritization of customers over shareholders. As Vimeo’s new chief executive officer, Moyer brings a wealth of experience from leading teams at major tech firms. His tenure at Amazon, in particular, stood out due to a distinctive rule banning the use of adverbs in communication.
Sharing insights with Fortune, Moyer explains that at Amazon, press releases were required to focus on addressing customer needs rather than product features. This shift in language usage proved to be enlightening for him, reshaping his approach to communication.
While Amazon is renowned for its innovative practices like the “two pizza rule” and a focus on customer-centric values, Moyer emphasizes the importance of maintaining a customer-centric mindset to prevent companies from losing their direction. He warns against falling into the trap of using corporate jargon or solely focusing on financial metrics, advocating for a more people-centered approach in business strategy.
Applying these lessons at Vimeo, Moyer has steered the platform towards a path of growth after a period of decline. He encourages aspiring business leaders to remain diligent and patient, underscoring the reality that success in the business world often requires a long-term commitment and persistence.
By sharing his journey and insights, Moyer aims to inspire others to embrace the journey of building a successful enterprise, emphasizing the value of hard work and dedication in achieving long-term goals.
