Parker Conrad, Co-Founder & CEO at Rippling, discussing speed, complexity, and the importance of building the right company culture:

The Philosophy Behind Rippling

My return to the business software sector was driven by a sense of “unfinished business” from my previous venture. I have identified two core beliefs that shaped Rippling’s strategy: 1. Centrality of Employee Data: Understanding an organization’s employee data is crucial for building effective software solutions. This insight informs how software should be architected and developed. 2. Broad Application Development: Contrary to conventional wisdom that advocates for narrow, focused applications, I believe in building a wide range of interconnected applications. This approach allows for deeper R&D investments and greater efficiency.

Speed and Quality Correlation

I would challenge the notion that speed and quality are mutually exclusive. I have observed that slow engineering teams rarely produce high-quality software. Instead, your entire organization has to engage in deep upfront thinking about problems and combine that with a sense of urgency to address issues. This is what leads to better outcomes. Simple to say, hard to do.

Navigating Sales Complexity

As Rippling has expanded its product offerings, the complexity of our sales organization has increased. Having multiple products has necessitated smaller, more specialized sales teams to ensure deep understanding and effective selling. This approach enhances sales efficiency and allows for better customer relationships.

Embracing Challenges and Accountability

I believe strongly in the importance of addressing problems directly when they arise. Don’t wait. Adopt a “go and see” approach, where leaders investigate issues firsthand rather than delegating and receiving filtered feedback. This practice not only identifies the root causes of problems but also helps reconstruct accountability within the organization.