Skip to content
Lenny's PodcastLenny's Podcast

Melanie Perkins: How 'column B' thinking built Canva's $42B

Designing the future first, then working backwards into mission pillars; Perkins folded 100 investor rejections into clearer pitches and a two-step plan.

Lenny RachitskyhostMelanie Perkinsguest
Nov 2, 20251h 6mWatch on YouTube ↗

CHAPTERS

  1. 0:00 – 4:44

    Introduction to Melanie Perkins and Canva

  2. 4:44 – 6:36

    Building a “column B” company

  3. 6:36 – 13:13

    Operationalizing big visions

  4. 13:13 – 22:00

    Crazy big goals and celebrations

  5. 22:00 – 26:30

    Challenges and setbacks in Canva’s journey

  6. 26:30 – 29:36

    Fundraising and investor rejections

  7. 29:36 – 34:38

    Leadership and growth lessons

  8. 34:38 – 35:46

    Canva’s goal-driven structure

  9. 35:46 – 38:02

    Balancing work and personal life

  10. 38:02 – 40:37

    Community-driven product development

  11. 40:37 – 45:04

    The two-step plan for global impact

  12. 45:04 – 48:10

    Canva’s biggest launch yet

  13. 48:10 – 52:37

    How Canva approaches product expansion

  14. 52:37 – 53:56

    AI integration in Canva

  15. 53:56 – 55:22

    AI corner

  16. 55:22 – 1:00:07

    Melanie’s vision for 2050 and beyond

  17. 1:00:07 – 1:06:09

    Lightning round and final thoughts

Get more out of YouTube videos.

High quality summaries for YouTube videos. Accurate transcripts to search & find moments. Powered by ChatGPT & Claude AI.

Add to Chrome