Ziff Davis CEO Vivek Shah reflects on his path to the digital world

Many CEOs have an intriguing story behind their rise to the C-suite -- Vivek Shah is no exception. For my latest episode of #OnPurpose, Vivek, CEO of the digital media and internet company Ziff Davis, talks about his formative upbringing in Queens, New York, his perspective on leadership, and why he believes companies must shift from shareholder to stakeholder capitalism.

"To enhance the experiences of, not just our shareholders, but also our employees, partners, communities and society at large—that is the purpose of a corporation.”

Before joining Ziff Davis, Vivek rose quickly through the ranks at Time Warner. At one point, the media dubbed him “a fast-rising star of the digital future.” He’s also been named Online Publisher of the Year, Innovator of the Year and inducted into a Digital Hall of Fame. With every bold step into the digital space, Vivek says he works with purpose and helps others do the same.

“If you’ve got a well-defined purpose, then my job as a leader is to articulate that purpose and to empower everyone in the organization to meet that purpose, to meet that mission.”

During our conversation, Vivek shares the fascinating story of his father’s immigration to America from India in 1962. He also talks about growing up in Queens, New York, and how that shapes his values and desire to support organizations like StreetSquash that help young people strengthen their minds and bodies.

?“I was born and raised in an incredibly diverse place. I grew up around every sort of nationality, every sort of background…. It really did inform and make me who I am today.”

Thank you, Vivek, for sharing your purpose and passion as well as reminding leaders everywhere that our responsibilities extend well beyond the bottom line.?