Skip to main content

Meet the man who built Yahoo! into a digital empire

This week, Canadian investor and entrepreneur Jeff Mallett brings his business acumen to Concordia’s District 3 Innovation Center
May 2, 2016
|
By Tom Peacock


Entrepreneur Jeff Mallett — who famously oversaw the development of Yahoo! from a Silicon Valley startup with no revenue to a publicly traded company worth $135 billion — is coming to Concordia on May 6.

The Canadian businessman is currently an investor and mentor to ANANDA — short for Advanced Nano Design Applications — a startup housed at Concordia’s District 3 Innovation Center. In advance of his appearance at the university, we asked Mallett about his journey.

Jeff Mallett | Photo by Jeff Singer Jeff Mallett | Photo by Jeff Singer

What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur and how did you overcome it?

Jeff Mallett: While president, COO and board member at Yahoo! I had to lead the company through significant restructuring and a reduction of nearly 700 jobs around the world, as there was a major market change, especially in the global digital space. Clear vision, excellent communication, a focus on future opportunities post-transition and our strong executive team saw us through.

What's the single most important piece of advice you offer to students who are aspiring entrepreneurs?

JM: Learn from every experience and build from each one. No matter how big or small the situation is, you can always improve as a person and a leader by observing, learning and adjusting for your next venture.

How did you hear about the ANANDA startup at Concordia's District 3 Innovation Center? And why did you decide to offer your support?

JM: I first learned of ANANDA as a judge at McGill University’s Dobson Cup event. My daughter, Victoria, then began working for the founder as their first employee, and I became an investor.

I have visited ANANDA at their offices inside D3 and was asked to speak to the founders of the D3 startups.

 

Register to hear Jeff Mallett’s talk at District 3 on Friday, May 6, at 11 a.m. on the sixth floor of the Faubourg Building (1250 Guy St.), Sir George Williams Campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Find out more about Concordia’s District 3 Innovation Center

 



Trending

Back to top

© Concordia University