E71: Joe Tsai interview redefines who Alibaba's customers really are

In a recent interview, Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba, redefined Alibaba’s customers as users shopping on their apps, a shift from their previous focus on merchants. This marks a shift from their previous emphasis on merchants, and with Alibaba's revenue historically heavily reliant on merchant advertising, Alibaba’s shift towards user-centricity challenges this model. 

 

So, what does this mean for Alibaba's strategy moving forward? How will Alibaba balance between user and merchant satisfaction?  

 

As Alibaba undergoes its biggest transformation yet, its leaders will have to make crucial decisions. Joe Tsai stresses the importance of humility and leaders being willing to acknowledge mistakes and pivot or backtrack on decisions when necessary.

 

Featured materials:
Joe Tsai Co-founder & Chair of Alibaba | In Good Company | Norges Bank Investment Management, Norges bank Investment Management 

Transforming Alibaba, Momentum Works

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