The unlikely CEO beating Teams and Zoom at their own game
Jim Szafranski never really wants to be a CEO; It was something that seemed to happen to him, not something he intentionally happened. But it turns out, he has talent for it.
Szafranski took over at Visual Communication Company Prezi about eighteen months ago to lead a change in direction, replacing the founder of Peter Arvai. Previously, the company had specialized in design and presentation software, but now it has distracted it to video presentations.
Prezi has begun to put the foundation for this shift before the pandemic, but long distance works see demand skyrocketing for services that can help people make and provide professional virtual presentations. The company put foot on gas and prezi videos is now its flagship product.
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As one of the main architects of the Prezi Video project, and as someone who has worked with video conferencing titans (such as Microsoft and Google) in previous life, Szafranski found himself next for the throne.
The right person for the job
Even though he has now adjusted to the level and breadth of the responsibility that falls on the chief executive shoulder, Szafranski told Techradar Pro, he sometimes found himself doubting his suitability for his role.
While he has always been a business and technology student, and has extorted years of experience at the executive level, he to a certain extent of blind by opportunity when presented alone.
“I like learning, so I always try to put myself in a position where I can learn from my environment and the people around me. And I rather let the growth of taking care of himself,” he explained.
“But when I joined Prezi, the plan was not someday I would take over from Peter [Arvai] – it wasn’t even a discussion. The focus is to improve business functions and build functions such as sales and marketing.”
After some considerations, Szafranski agreed to take a post, give himself and Arvai three months to place the steps needed. Szafranski’s best advice was accepted during this time, he said, only to be himself, and did not imitate the CEO of the basic film pattern.
“Obviously, the Board of Directors and CEOs previously thought of this carefully and chose to choose me for this role. This advice is an important reminder to approach the situation in the same way as I always do; to do what it feels natural.”
Fortunately, stepping into the role of the CEO in Prezi has not required Szafranski to tear everything and start again, because he inherits a healthy business foundation. His job only directs in a slightly different direction.
Virtual presentation, but different
Szafranski is often asked about what makes prezi videos different from ordinary virtual presentation services. With just words, this question can be a little difficult to answer, but the difference becomes immediately seen when you see the product in action.
Video Prezi sits like a veneer on video conferencing services (zoom, team, meeting etc.), adding a gloss layer and interactivity that makes the presentation much more attractive to the eyes.
Unlike sharing traditional screens, which hide video feed presenter, users can carry content to the screen next to it with the style of anchor. In turn, the presenter can see more other participants, which should help them read rooms in the same way they might be directly.
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