Zillow CEO Jeremy Wacksman made a bold career move in 2009 when he left his comfortable job at Microsoft to join a struggling real estate startup. Despite skepticism from friends during the housing crisis, he has proven them wrong by leading Zillow to a market cap of $17 billion. Wacksman attributes part of his success to the late Steve Jobs. In a recent interview, he shared how he transitioned from a marketing role at Microsoft to a leadership position at Zillow, driven by his passion for building products that resonate with users.
Wacksman’s decision to join Zillow coincided with the rise of mobile technology, particularly with the launch of the Apple app store. Recognizing the potential of mobile platforms, he took on the challenge of transitioning Zillow into the mobile space, a move that significantly contributed to the company’s growth. By embracing new opportunities and responsibilities, Wacksman navigated his way through various roles at Zillow before eventually becoming CEO in August 2024.
Looking back on his journey at Zillow, Wacksman credits his willingness to say ‘yes’ to new challenges as a key factor in his career progression. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of seizing opportunities and adapting to evolving technologies in the business world.
A man expressed how he has come to welcome opportunities in life. He acknowledged that there will be occasions when projects fail or unforeseen obstacles arise, but he believes these experiences contribute to becoming a more effective leader. “You may invest in a venture that succeeds, or one that fails,” Wacksman explained. “You may need to adapt, but you will have gained knowledge.” This article was first published on Fortune.com.
