How Notion Reimagined Productivity Tools | Ivan Zhao | Grit

In this episode of Grit, Joubin Mirzadegan interviews Ivan Zhao, the co-founder and CEO of Notion. They discuss Zhao's design sensibilities, his preference for simplicity, and the evolution of Notion as a workspace. Zhao shares his background, including his upbringing in China, his move to Canada, and his journey to Silicon Valley. The conversation explores Notion's early struggles, its focus on craft and detail, and its unique position in the AI era. Zhao articulates his vision for Notion's future, emphasizing the importance of consolidating tools and contexts to build knowledge work agents. He also touches on his personal life, his approach to management, and his passion for building and creating.

Outlines

Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.

Continue

How Notion Reimagined Productivity Tools | Ivan Zhao

Grit

Introduction to Ivan Zhao and His Preference for Simplicity

Aesthetics, Personal Style, and Attention to Detail

Craftsmanship in Software and the Notion Product

Inspiration from Hardware and Early Computing Pioneers

The Original Intent of Computing and the Programmer Class

AI and the Accessibility of Computing

Knowledge Work Agents and the Notion Ecosystem

The AI Era and a Return to the Excitement of Building

Future Aspirations and Management Style

Daily Routine, Philosophy, and the Knowledge War

How Notion Reimagined Productivity Tools | Ivan Zhao

Grit

00:00Introduction to Ivan Zhao and His Preference for Simplicity

Introduction to Ivan Zhao and His Preference for Simplicity

04:26Aesthetics, Personal Style, and Attention to Detail

Aesthetics, Personal Style, and Attention to Detail

12:33Craftsmanship in Software and the Notion Product

Craftsmanship in Software and the Notion Product

21:24Inspiration from Hardware and Early Computing Pioneers

Inspiration from Hardware and Early Computing Pioneers

30:48The Original Intent of Computing and the Programmer Class

The Original Intent of Computing and the Programmer Class

37:09AI and the Accessibility of Computing

AI and the Accessibility of Computing

46:17Knowledge Work Agents and the Notion Ecosystem

Knowledge Work Agents and the Notion Ecosystem

57:39The AI Era and a Return to the Excitement of Building

The AI Era and a Return to the Excitement of Building

1:09:04Future Aspirations and Management Style

Future Aspirations and Management Style

1:17:20Daily Routine, Philosophy, and the Knowledge War

Daily Routine, Philosophy, and the Knowledge War