I’m the CEO of LegalZoom John Sukh and This Is How I Work
For 16 years LegalZoom has bridged the gap between free online consultation and hiring a lawyer; his services have become the standard for many small businesses, entrepreneurs, individual contractors and freelancers. For the past 13 years, John Sukh has led the company as executive chairman and CEO. We talked to him about how he runs the company and does his own job.
Location: Glendale, California. Current place of work: CEO of LegalZoom. One word that best describes how you work: Fast Current mobile device: iPhone X Current computer: My brain
First of all, tell us a little about your past and how you got where you are now.
I am a serial internet entrepreneur with twenty years of experience. Prior to LegalZoom, I was the CEO of StudioDirect, the internet arm of the public company Li and Fung. Prior to that, as co-founder and CEO of the Castling Group, we helped offline companies build their online divisions and launched category leaders such as jcrew.com, hifi.com, and barneysny.com.
I joined LegalZoom as Executive Chairman / CEO in 2005, driven by a mission to democratize the law. I realized that small business owners want to focus on their products, customers, and teams, not on the “necessary flaws” of the law and taxes. As a supply chain professional with a passion for how technology can transform industries … the application in services was interesting.
Tell us about a recent work day.
I have broken my working day into parts. The first part takes place in the office, where I hold meetings, which are best done in person. The second part, from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, is the time I devote to my children: I talk about my day, helping them with their homework, at family dinner. Between 8:30 pm and 2:00 am, I return to work on projects from my home office. Business dinners only take place from 21:00 or later, so I always have time to read to the children before bed and put them to bed.
I believe that instead of trying to put everything together in one work day, this separation gives me more time for work and family and allows me to be fully present for both.
What apps, gadgets or tools can’t you live without?
My PXG iron set and Callaway sub-zero Epic driver.
How is your workplace arranged?
I haven’t had an office in 20 years … everyone has open workplaces and I spend most of my time in groups standing or pacing.
What’s your best shortcut or life hack?
Dozing on the road. I love to sleep.
Who are the people who help you achieve results, and how do you rely on them?
I’m lucky to be surrounded by everyone whose greatest talent / skill is what I suck at. So I spend 80% of my time doing what I’m good at.
How do you keep track of what you need to do?
I try to focus on a few important things and delegate the rest. When you simplify, you have nothing to keep track of.
What do you enjoy doing the most and how do you deal with it?
I hate bad food. I’d rather starve and save time.
How to recharge or take a break from work?
My 3 boys give me energy. Golf, food and the Lakers help me recharge.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My dad once told me the exact opposite of what I thought he would have said, but it turned out to be the best career advice I have ever received. He said: “Hobbies are a hobby. You may be passionate about your hobby, but you will enjoy your career if you do it well. So find out what you are good at and you will love this career. Eventually, this career will become your passion. Listen to people who tell you what you don’t want to hear. ”
And what’s the best legal advice you’ve ever received?
You can fix many problems with preventative legal services. Start early and start right.