Paul English, co-founder of Kayak, revealed how his bipolar illness diagnosis at 25 impacted his career, leading him to model vulnerability as a leader at Kayak.
English's openness about his bipolar disorder contributed to creating an open team culture at Kayak, where people could share their struggles.
Diagnosed with bipolar illness at 25, English initially hid his diagnosis for over a decade out of fear of being perceived as crazy.
English learned to be more open about his bipolar illness by the time he started Kayak, which influenced his leadership style.
At Kayak, English prioritized building a strong team, being customer-focused, and profitability in that order.
Kayak was sold for $2.1 billion in 2013, with the company's success attributed to its team culture and customer-centric approach.
English's bipolar illness had both positive and negative impacts on his work at Kayak, influencing his energy levels and decision-making.
Despite challenges, English found ways to leverage the positive aspects of bipolar disorder while managing the negative effects.
English believes Kayak's success was partially due to his bipolar energy and drive, inspiring others to work hard as well.
English emphasized the importance of balancing confidence and vulnerability as a leader, fostering a culture where employees could openly share their struggles.