Jay Larson

VP of Global Enterprise and Mega Sales

Born:
Brighton, Iowa (800 people)

Prior Experience:
Mercury Interactive, SVP WW Field Operations
Network Associates, VP Western Area Sales
Oracle, VP Southwestern Commercial Sales

Education:
Harvard University, BA
University of California, Los Angeles, MBA

What I like to do outside of work:
When I’m not working, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family. I also like cars and college football.

Q: Where in your background did you learn the most?
A: I learned the most at Mercury. I started out managing the Americas sales team and was later promoted to head worldwide sales. We grew our business from about $300m in 2000 to over $1 billion in 2006 when we were acquired by HP. I learned a lot of about doing business outside the US (spent time in over 25 countries). I also learned a lot about scaling a sales organization, as my team grew to over 1100 people. I worked with some terrific leaders and learned that if you’re going to be successful in any endeavor, you have to lead the charge from the front.

Q: If you could meet one person in history, who would you meet and why?
A:John Wooden. He was probably the greatest coach and teacher of all time. He was successful because he understood his players, was a great motivator, and had a system that produced consistently superior results.

Q: What's been your biggest surprise during your time at SuccessFactors?
A: There really aren’t any jerks here! The level of cooperation and teamwork has exceeded my expectations. Everyone pulls the rope in the same direction and pulls really hard.

Q: If you had 20 seconds to tell a new client about why they should use SuccessFactors, what would you say?
A:SuccessFactors can help you revolutionize the relationship that you have with your people. Our solutions produce better bottom line business results and improve the relationship you have with your people. Engaged employees will improve the profitability of your business. And we have plenty of customer data to prove it!

Q: Why are you proud to work at SuccessFactors?
A:This is a company that can really make a difference. We can help our customers achieve better financial results and help improve the performance and job satisfaction of their employees. I’m proud to be able to help our customers realize these business benefits and help their employees live better lives in the process.