"From engineer to entrepreneur" with Expensify's CEO David Barrett

In this episode, Expensify's CEO and Founder (David Barrett) shares several stories on how we went from engineering to entrepreneur. Plus, he shares what makes Expensify unique and what compelled him to start the company.

Show Notes for David Barrett

1:25 — David’s early days as an engineer
2:30 — What startups should focus on
3:37 — “C++ is a great language, but English is even better”
5:44 — How to think about your professional goals
6:46 — The 1 question that David asks candidates in interviews
8:00 — What he looks for in an employee and a team
9:00 — What made him go from engineer to entrepreneur
10:56 — Why being an engineer has helped him as a CEO
12:26 — A story that taught David what makes an effective engineer
14:06 — Our podcast host offers a way to develop products better
17:38 — David’s approach to new industries/jobs and our host adds thoughts on experts vs beginners
18:36 — How Expensify went against standard convention
22:15 — David shares a story about what gave him self confidence
25:43 — Our host points out how David sounds like an entrepreneur
28:16 — What David thinks about leadership books
28:43 — How Expensify got started