Best of: Forging a New Path with David Heinemeier Hansson

Innovation and the Digital Enterprise

We had a great conversation with David Heinemeier Hansson in 2023 and are excited to reshare it in our “Best Of” series.

Originally published 11/2/23.

Profound innovation has occurred across web-based communication technologies in the last decade, and truly accelerated in the years since the start of the pandemic. But David Heinemeier Hansson recognized a massively neglected arena, one we all use, every day: email. Bringing his experience as co-owner and Chief Technology Officer at 37signals (Basecamp, Ruby on Rails, and more), David launched HEY, an innovative approach to email that provides a modernized, user-first service. In this episode of Innovation and the Digital Enterprise, David articulates a dedication to forging new paths in software and entrepreneurship.

He shares important lessons in approaching remote work, including the essential pillar of embracing asynchronicity. He dives into how he structures his day for success and offers a counterpoint to the American workplace culture of bragging about busyness and 80+ hour weeks. Finally, David provides insight into the current state of cloud technology and his company’s recent—successful and swift—migration off the cloud.

• (01:48) – 37signals
• (03:27) – HEY
• (09:54) – Advantages
• (17:32) – Detecting spy pixels
• (19:45) – The pandemic’s impact
• (23:42) – Embracing asynchronicity for success
• (29:07) – An American culture of busyness
• (34:31) – Importance of sleep
• (38:52) – Cloud technology
• (46:55) – Bringing applications home

David Heinemeier Hansson is co-owner and Chief Technology Officer of 37signals (Basecamp & HEY), creator of Ruby on Rails, and best-selling author, including REWORK, It Doesn’t Have to be Crazy at Work, and Remote: Office Not Required. David is a Le Mans class-winning racing driver, photographer, antitrust advocate, and investor.

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Podcast episode production by Dante32.