Khan Academy: A Case Study in Scaling a Start-Up

This Harvard Business Review podcast episode interviews Harvard Business School Professor Bill Sahlman about his case study on Khan Academy's growth from 2012 to 2018. The discussion centers on Khan Academy's scaling challenges, highlighting the crucial role of a well-balanced leadership team—specifically, the addition of COO Ginny Lee from Intuit—in navigating growth and establishing effective processes. Professor Sahlman emphasizes the importance of defining a focused strategy, segmenting the market (e.g., focusing on specific geographic regions and partnerships with organizations like the College Board), and measuring tangible results to demonstrate impact and secure further funding. The interview concludes with reflections on the challenges and successes of scaling a mission-driven organization and the importance of a strong feedback loop between the organization and its users. Listeners gain insights into strategic management, scaling challenges, and the importance of building a strong team with complementary skills.