Shortcut | Building for the Distributed Future | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The podcast episode discusses how the pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work, and how companies, like Clubhouse, are adapting to the digital-first economy.

Key Insights

• 😮 Remote work has become a necessity during the pandemic, leading to an acceleration in the adoption of digital-first tools and the rise of distributed teams.
• 🏛️ Clubhouse emphasizes the importance of involving the entire organization in the product-building process to leverage diverse perspectives and improve outcomes.
• 😤 The company has seen increased demand for their product as teams recognize the need for better tools and communication platforms in the remote work era.
• 👥 Focusing on simplicity and user experience is crucial in building tools that teams love to use and that enhance their productivity.
• 🦡 Planning in uncertain times requires companies to create multiple projections and be prepared for various scenarios, including worst-case situations.
• 🏛️ Building a diverse and inclusive organization is essential for better decision-making and product development.
• 💦 Adapting to remote work requires adjusting communication methods, finding ways to have overlapping working hours, and prioritizing focus and productivity.
• 🔨 The pandemic has highlighted the importance of investing in tools and systems that enable effective remote collaboration and communication.

Transcript

Read and summarize the transcript of this video on Glasp Reader (beta).

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the creation of Clubhouse and why did you focus on project management tools?

After noticing that project management tools often left teams unsatisfied, Kurt and his co-founder decided to build a tool that engineering and product teams would love to use. They wanted it to be a collaborative space for the whole organization to be engaged in the product development process.

Q: How does Clubhouse ensure that users derive value from the tool and love using it?

Clubhouse prioritizes user experience and aims to build tools that bring joy to users on a daily basis. They focus on creating an interface that is easy to understand and interact with, allowing all team members to participate in discussions and contribute their expertise to the product development process.

Q: How has the pandemic impacted Clubhouse as a business?

Initially, Clubhouse experienced some contraction due to the impact on travel and advertising companies – their users. However, since the pandemic, more teams are realizing the need for better communication and collaboration tools, leading to an increased interest in Clubhouse's product.

Q: How has Clubhouse adjusted its investment and focus in response to the current environment?

Clubhouse is investing more in improving communication features and reporting capabilities. They want to help teams understand their progress, improve productivity, and provide better visibility into project management.

Summary

In this episode of the Work from Anywhere series, Sarah Guo interviews Kurt Schröder, the co-founder and CEO of Clubhouse. They discuss how Clubhouse aims to redefine project management and create a collaborative space for software teams. Kurt shares the founding story of Clubhouse and explains why they are focused on building a tool that people love using. They also talk about the challenges and benefits of being a distributed company and how Clubhouse is adapting to the current environment.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you tell us about yourself and the founding story of Clubhouse?

Kurt explains that he is the CEO and co-founder of Clubhouse Software. He comes from a background of building and managing engineering and product teams. After leaving his previous job, he noticed that teams were never happy with the project management tools they had to use. So, he and his co-founder built a software that met their specific needs and eventually decided to build a tool for engineering and product teams that people truly love using.

Q: What sets Clubhouse apart from other project management tools?

Kurt explains that Clubhouse believes in involving the entire organization in the product development process. They aim to create a tool that not only provides project management capabilities but also facilitates conversations and collaboration among various teams. Clubhouse wants to empower users to love the tools they use by building products that are easy to use, bring joy, and add value to their work.

Q: How does Clubhouse create a space for collaboration and conversation within teams?

Kurt believes that it's important for everyone in the company, not just engineering and product teams, to be involved in building the product. Clubhouse aims to be a centralized hub where teams can have conversations, provide insights, and collaborate on all aspects of product development. They enable users to track the entire lifecycle of a project, from initial designs to code development, and to have discussions around the best ways to approach different tasks. Clubhouse also offers integrations with other tools to streamline communication across the organization.

Q: How has the transition to remote work affected Clubhouse as a distributed company?

Kurt explains that Clubhouse had already been a distributed company for several years before the pandemic hit. However, the crisis has forced them to improve their remote work practices and eliminate any inefficiencies. They have focused on better communication and documentation, ensuring that everyone is informed and involved in the decision-making process. Clubhouse is embracing the new normal and has even given up their office lease, fully embracing a distributed work environment.

Q: How has COVID-19 impacted Clubhouse as a business?

Initially, Clubhouse, like many other companies, experienced a slowdown due to certain sectors being affected by the pandemic. However, as more teams transitioned to distributed work, there has been an increased interest in improved project management tools. Clubhouse has seen an acceleration in adoption as companies realize the need for better communication and coordination in their distributed teams.

Q: Are there any changes in product investment or focus due to the current environment?

Clubhouse is investing more in communication and reporting features to help teams stay connected and understand their progress. They understand that remote teams need better visibility into what each team member is working on and how things are progressing. By enhancing reporting capabilities, they aim to help teams track their productivity, identify bottlenecks, and continuously improve their processes.

Q: What advice do you have for entrepreneurs navigating this uncertain time?

Kurt advises entrepreneurs to focus on their core priorities and trim down unnecessary responsibilities or projects. It is crucial to analyze cash flow and be prepared for worst-case scenarios. He also recommends projections instead of rigid plans, considering different potential outcomes. Additionally, he suggests that companies should stay adaptable and be ready to make changes as the situation evolves.

Q: How has the interaction with customers changed during this time?

Clubhouse has seen increased adoption from teams that were previously using other tools. The ability to easily import data from those tools has enabled teams to switch to Clubhouse and experience the benefits of improved collaboration. The sales and success teams have been focusing on expanding within existing organizations by demonstrating how Clubhouse enhances their existing workflows.

Q: How do you manage communication and collaboration in a distributed team?

Kurt admits that the transition to fully remote work has been challenging, especially when it comes to replacing the "ambient intelligence" of being physically present in an office. They have had to rely on various means of communication, such as office hours and one-on-one meetings, to gather feedback and foster collaboration. They have also simplified their goal-setting process and maintained a strong focus on top priorities.

Q: Have there been any unexpected discoveries or learnings during the shelter-in-place period?

Kurt acknowledges his wife's support in managing their family life while he focuses on leading Clubhouse. He is grateful for her efforts in handling homeschooling and daily responsibilities. Additionally, he discovered a newfound enjoyment for running, which has helped him stay centered and focused during this challenging time of remote work.

Q: Can you recommend a book or any other content?

Kurt recommends reading the book "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. He finds it fascinating to learn about the challenges and messy journey of building a company from someone with a realistic perspective. The book offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship and the struggles faced along the way.

Takeaways

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work and highlighted the importance of effective communication and collaboration in distributed teams. Companies like Clubhouse are focusing on building tools that not only provide project management features but also foster conversations and inclusiveness across the entire organization. Productivity and team collaboration can be enhanced with the right tools and practices, regardless of physical proximity. It is crucial for companies to adapt, stay focused on their core priorities, and be prepared for different scenarios to navigate this uncertain environment successfully.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kurt Schroeder, the CEO of Clubhouse, shares his insights into the challenges of project management tools and why they decided to create a better solution.

• Clubhouse aims to involve the entire organization in the product-building process, enabling collaboration and communication across different teams.

• Schroeder discusses the benefits of distributed teams and how Clubhouse has transitioned to becoming a fully remote company.