C-Suite Perspectives with Jesse Lipson
“It all started with an idea,” said Lipson. “ShareFile started with an idea.”
Lipson, a self-taught software developer, spoke at our Dec. 2018 C-Suite Perspectives at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. He built and launched his startup, ShareFile, in 2005. ShareFile is a cloud-based file sharing service that enables users to easily and securely exchange documents.
“Right off the bat, I had a very data-driven approach to running a business,” he said. “A relentlessly, data-driven approach.”
Lipson said there always was a nonstop focus on the customer at ShareFile.
He talked about his hands-on approach, even as his team grew.
“I was reading every single support request, so I could know what the customers needed,” said Lipson.
He said when Florida-based Citrix acquired ShareFile in 2011, his startup had grown to 85 employees. Looking back on the merger, he’s very proud knowing that he played such a critical role in helping to bring hundreds of jobs to Raleigh.
Lipson, who also co-founded HQ Communities, mentioned how excited he is to see what is happening currently with Pendo, a product cloud that provides user insight, user guidance, and user communication for digital product teams. Pendo announced on Dec. 3 that it is adding 590 jobs to its Raleigh operations.
As for advice to the C-Suite Perspectives audience, Lipson recommended, “Take time to enjoy the journey. You can get wrapped up in the day to day. But it’s the stories that are much more valuable to me than the money.”
He discussed the importance of building strong cultures within companies.
“I think culture is a natural outflow of your core values,” said Lipson.
So, what’s next? Lipson said, “I want to do it again.” He wants to build the next ShareFile.
Recently, Lipson started a software company called Real Magic. Real Magic launched Levitate, which helps small businesses grow and manage their professional relationships to help drive more referral and word-of-mouth business.
“We’re up to 13 employees and we’re hoping to create more great stories and jobs for Raleigh,” he said.
We want to thank Lipson for sharing all of his stories and insight at C-Suite Perspectives. To see more of the conversation from that day on Twitter, you can check out the official hashtag of the event, #CSuitePers.
We also want to thank all of our sponsors of C-Suite Perspectives. Without their partnership, this event would not be possible.
Please join us for our next C-Suite Perspectives on Mar. 8 where we will hear from John Kane, the founder and CEO of Kane Realty Corporation.