In this re-run episode of Truth Works, Nirav Tolia - co-founder and CEO of Nextdoor - shares an unfiltered look at the rollercoaster of startup leadership. From his early internet days at Yahoo to co-founding Nextdoor, Nirav reflects on the thrill of building something people love, the sting of being asked to step down, and the personal growth that came from failure. Now back at the helm, he discusses how he’s leading differently, the importance of culture, and why resilience matters more than ever.
In this episode, we cover:
- Nirav’s journey from Odessa, Texas, to Stanford, Yahoo, and the creation of Nextdoor
- Lessons from his first startup success — and a massive failure
- The emotional impact of being removed as CEO and how he rebuilt his perspective
- The role stress plays in leadership and how to manage it
- Why intent matters less than impact when leading a team
- Balancing vulnerability with authority as a leader
- Returning to Nextdoor during a turnaround and redefining its culture
- The “two products” every CEO is building: the product itself and the company’s culture