Replit CEO: Being 'Cancelled' is a Choice

Amjad Masad, CEO and founder of Replit, shared insights into the power of "going direct" and building a personal brand as a CEO during a recent conversation with Erik Torenberg, General Partner at a16z. Masad, known for his active presence on X (formerly Twitter) and growing influence on Instagram, emphasized that personal branding is not just a trend but a strategic necessity for founders, especially for companies that need to "meme a dream into reality."

The "Go Direct" Imperative

Replit's journey, particularly its "vertical" growth over the past two years, has been significantly propelled by Masad's direct communication efforts. He recounted how the company might not have survived its earlier stages without this strategy. "I think Replit would have probably died if I wasn't telling a story that is larger than the company itself," Masad stated. He elaborated that while commercially successful companies might not need this approach, those striving to manifest ambitious visions often do. This "going direct" strategy helps with fundraising, recruiting, and ultimately, with building a narrative that resonates beyond the product itself.

Overcoming Stage Fright and Building Communication Skills

Masad shared his personal journey in developing these communication skills, which he admitted did not come naturally. He recalled experiencing severe stage fright when he first came to the United States. To overcome this, he took improv and storytelling classes, advocating for exposure therapy. "Anything you're afraid of, just go do more of it until you're desensitized," he advised. The gradual growth of his personal profile allowed him to make mistakes with less scrutiny, providing valuable learning opportunities.

Navigating Controversy and "Cancel Culture"

Addressing the fear of public missteps, Masad offered a nuanced perspective on being "cancelled." He suggested that "being cancelled is a choice." By remaining visible and continuing to engage, even after controversies, Masad believes that critics eventually lose momentum. He cited examples like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, whose persistent public presence, even amidst criticism, demonstrated resilience. "The haters kind of give up. They're like, 'All right, I guess we can't do anything to this guy. Let's go to the next guy,'" he explained.

Platform Strategy: X, YouTube, and Beyond

When asked about platform strategy, Masad differentiated the reach and influence of various social media channels. He noted that X is powerful for "elite, inside-group influence" and reaching Silicon Valley insiders, but less effective for broader audiences. He identified YouTube and Instagram as key platforms for reaching the "early majority." He also highlighted the importance of understanding the "meta" to ensure arguments and worldviews align with current conversations, which is crucial for going viral.

The Power of Authenticity and Principles

Masad stressed the importance of authenticity, noting a shift in public perception where genuine communication is increasingly valued. He also touched upon the mental fortitude required to handle public scrutiny. "Acting on principles is important," he stated, adding that this gives individuals strength to persevere. He also cautioned against the trap of feeling obligated to respond to every online comment, advising to "not feed the trolls" and to focus on the bigger picture.

Advice for AI Companies

Reflecting on the communication challenges faced by major AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI, Masad suggested a "win-win" approach for them. He drew a parallel to Apple's "1984" ad campaign, where restrictions on their products were framed as a testament to their power and innovation. He advised these companies not to "stress out too much" and to let the narrative play out, focusing on their core principles and mission.