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Michael Helmbrecht
Product & Business Leader - CXO - SaaS - IOT
Michael Helmbrecht is an experienced technology executive with a strong background in product management and strategic leadership in the video communication and technology sectors. He served as Chief Operating Officer at Lifesize from 2017 to 2021, leading a global team of 250 professionals and managing a $45M P&L across 17 data centers in 9 countries.1
Professional Highlights:
- Currently Vice President of Video at RingCentral (2022 - Present)1
- Previously Chief Operating Officer at Lifesize (2017-2021)1
- Held multiple leadership roles at Lifesize, including Chief Product Officer (2015-2017)1
- Worked at Logitech as Vice President of Product Management (2009-2015)1
- Earlier in his career, worked as an Executive Director of Product Line Management at Dell (2006-2008)1
Notable Achievements:
- Led transformation of Lifesize to a subscription-based service, boosting profits by 20%1
- Raised $20M in venture capital during Lifesize's spin-off from Logitech1
- Instrumental in developing 4K video conferencing technology, positioning Lifesize as an industry innovator2
Helmbrecht is known for his ability to lead product, technology, and business transformations, with expertise in video communication, strategic partnerships, and driving business growth across multiple technology companies.1
Highlights
I just finished re-reading the Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz. I’m glad I did, but also I’m kicking myself for not having done this sooner. This book is a reminder that building tech companies is usually grueling and there are no easy answers. I appreciate it more the second time with the benefit of what I’ve learned since the first time.
It’s refreshing to read something written by a former startup CEO who didn’t have the massive, rapid success that most leadership books celebrate. He was an unwavering optimist about the potential of his companies even in the worst of times. I’m sure that he was often staring at the ceiling at 3am wondering how he could avert disaster. He kept working the problems and grinding his way to success that was far from certain. There is so much to learn from that
Do yourself a favor and read (or reread) the Hard Thing About Hard Things. You’ll be glad you did.
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