Ben Silbermann on Leadership and Building a Strong Culture

As a founder, one of the most critical responsibilities is to ensure clarity—both in what you're building and why. Ben Silbermann, co-founder of Pinterest, emphasizes that as your company grows, this doesn’t change. The founder must constantly communicate the cultural and performance standards they expect. A strong foundation begins with a clear vision, and every person joining must align with that mission.

Ben Silbermann, Co-founder, Pinterest

Evolving from Builder to Leader

Silbermann admits that early in Pinterest's journey, he was heavily involved in the day-to-day, from building the product to dodging press inquiries—simply because he was introverted and didn’t enjoy that aspect. However, as the company scaled, he had to transition from being the hands-on builder to managing people. And for him, that was no small task, as he had no prior experience leading teams.

Creating an Ownership Mindset

A key shift for Silbermann was ensuring his team felt truly connected to the mission, not just as employees executing tasks, but as owners who deeply cared about the outcome. In practical terms, this meant more communication, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering people to build on the original vision better than he could alone.

Learning to Manage

Silbermann humbly acknowledges that he’s still learning how to manage. Leading a growing company brought new challenges—especially for someone who hadn’t managed anyone before. But learning to effectively manage people became essential, as his role increasingly involved building an organization that could scale Pinterest’s success beyond his individual capabilities.

From Introvert to Leader

Interestingly, as Pinterest grew, Silbermann had to push past his introverted tendencies. In the early days, when major press like the New York Times reached out, he would brush them off, saying, “I’m busy.” Today, he realizes that wasn’t the best strategy. His role now involves speaking up, representing the company, and being more outward-facing—skills he’s had to cultivate over time.

Conclusion: Growth in Leadership

Ben Silbermann’s journey as a founder highlights the evolution from a hands-on builder to a leader of people and culture. His story is a reminder that leadership requires constant learning and adaptability, and building a company means empowering others to join you in the mission, making the vision even bigger than yourself.

Listen to Ben Silbermann:

Source: Y Combinator 'Ben Silbermann at Startup School SV 2016'