Reed Hastings

Netflix co-founder

Contemporary influential 125 sayings

Sayings by Reed Hastings

The only constant is change.

various — Common business adage, often used by Hastings
Humorous Unverifiable

We are not in the business of just streaming content, we are in the business of creating joy.

2019 (approx) — Speech at a company event
Humorous Unverifiable

The internet is the ultimate meritocracy.

2016 — Interview with Wired
Humorous Unverifiable

We're not afraid to fail, we're afraid to not try.

2010s — Internal company memo, later publicized
Humorous Confirmed

Our biggest challenge is delighting our customers.

2020 — Netflix Q3 2020 Earnings Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

We're a global company with a local touch.

2018 — Interview with The Economic Times
Humorous Unverifiable

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

various — Common adage, often used by Hastings in discussions of innovation
Humorous Unverifiable

We are constantly reinventing ourselves.

2020 — Quoted in 'No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention'
Humorous Unverifiable

We're not in the business of just selling subscriptions, we're selling entertainment.

2017 — Interview with The Hollywood Reporter
Humorous Unverifiable

Talent density is key.

2009 (Culture Deck), 2020 (Book) — Netflix Culture Deck / 'No Rules Rules'
Humorous Unverifiable

We want to be the best at what we do.

2021 — Netflix Q1 2021 Earnings Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

It's about high performance, not perfect performance.

2020 — Quoted in 'No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention'
Humorous Unverifiable

We're trying to build a company that lasts 100 years.

2018 — Interview with The Economic Times
Humorous Unverifiable

We're not afraid of competition, we embrace it.

2020 — Netflix Q4 2019 Earnings Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

We want to be the most loved entertainment service in the world.

2020 — Netflix Q2 2020 Earnings Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

The internet is a magical thing.

2016 — Interview with The Guardian
Humorous Unverifiable

We're trying to create a world where everyone can find something they love.

2019 (approx) — Speech at a diversity in media event
Humorous Unverifiable

We’re not trying to please everybody. If you’re trying to please everybody, you’re not making the hard choices.

2016 — Interview with The Hollywood Reporter
Controversial Unverifiable

The success of Netflix is forcing people to spend more time indoors, which is not great for society.

2017 — Interview with Wired
Controversial Unverifiable

We compete with everything you do to relax.

2018 — Netflix earnings call
Controversial Unverifiable