10 Things You Didn’t Know About Pendo CEO Todd Olson

Todd Olson is the current CEO of the product experience platform that he co-founded, called Pendo. He is an interesting executive who has achieved a tremendous level of success at an early age. He serves as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs who aspire to build their own companies. By learning more about him and how he accomplished success in the technology industry, we may be able to pick up some valuable insights into the current industry environment. Here are 10 things that you didn’t know about Todd Olson that you might find inspiring.

1. Todd has designed production streamlining products

When it comes to developing software aids, Todd Olson is one of the best in the business. He is an innovator who set out to solve a common problem for product managers. He saw the need for help in delivering successful products when he worked as the VP of products at a different company. This gave him an idea to provide real solutions for an established need and this is how he came up with the ideas for Pendo. Managers are in need of product usage information but most do not have access to this critical data. Through Pendo’s information products, he has solved the problem.

2. He started out young

Olson had a love for technology for most of his life. His natural ability gave him the edge in learning how to become a coder, a feat that he accomplished with proficiency by the time that he was just 14 years old. He set the example that if you have a passion, regardless of your age, put everything that you can into it because you might just be able to accomplish some great things and love what you’re doing in the process.

3. He was a professional as a teenager

Todd Olson had tech skills that many adults struggle with learning. He was of professional quality in his skills and knowledge base as a teenager. Prior to the age of 10, Olson worked at MBNA Bank in Delaware as a software architect and database designer. This was something that he was good at and regardless of his youth, he was well respected for his ability to do the job right.

4. Olson has founded 3 companies

Todd Olson is a 3-time entrepreneur who has established multiple companies in the tech industry. He’s a brilliant software developer who started a business that he called 6th Sense Analytics. After he got the company off the ground and on its feet, he sold it to Rally Software. He also established Cerebellum Software with a partner, and the company raised $17 million in capital funding and hired 65 employees. It closed during the dotcom era when funding sources dried up. Pendo is his third business venture.

5. He has a college education

Natural talent isn’t enough in most cases, to make it in the highly competitive world of software development. After graduating from high school, Olson went on to continue his education. He attended Carnegie Mellon University and graduated with his degree. This gave him a solid foundation to compete in the business world.

6. Olson puts himself in the shoes of his customers

One of the traits that make Todd Olson a success is his philosophy towards the consumers that his company serves. He puts himself in the shoe of his customers and this drives him to provide excellence in the products that his company delivers. He has empathy towards Pendo’s customers and he used his knowledge of product background to provide solutions that will meet the needs of the businesses purchasing them.

7. He has interests outside of business

Todd Olson takes the time to enjoy life as it comes. When it comes to working, he makes it look effortless, although he is a hard worker. When he’s not taking care of business on a professional level, he loves spending time with his family. He is married and he and his wife have four children together. The ages of Olson’s kids range from one to 21. He also spends time pursuing his passion for baking cakes in the kitchen. He maintains a good work/life balance.

8. He worked as a Chief Scientist

Prior to founding Pendo, Todd worked at several other companies to gain experience. We learned that this versatile professional also worked in the role of Chief Scientist. He was employed in the position with Borland from January of 2003 through June of 2004, spending a year and a half diversifying his knowledge and experience base.

9. Olson is in demand as a speaker

Todd Olson spends a good deal of time offering his words of wisdom at a variety of speaking engagements. Young entrepreneurs are interested in hearing about his experiences and learning more about how to start up a new business from scratch, and to make it a success. This is a way of giving back to the community.

10. Todd Olson is a humble executive

Todd Olson is an impressive figure in the software development industry and in the business world in general. He has been recognized formally for his contributions to the development of several successful companies, in addition to the advisement that he offers for those who are just getting started in their careers. In 2018, he was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist in the Southeast. When he was informed about this, Olson, being the humble leader that he is, directed the credit back to those who work with him and he cited their contributions in making the company so successful. He’s not the kind of guy who takes the credit for himself, although some would argue that he is deserving of it. He’s a very humble person who gives a lot to those around him. He truly cares about his staff and the customers that they serve.

You can also read:

• 10 Things You Didn’t Know about Glovo CEO Oscar Pierre
• 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Instabase CEO Anant Bhardwaj
• 10 Things You Didn’t Know about Checkr CEO Daniel Yanisse
• 10 Things You Didn’t Know about Grammarly CEO Brad Hoover
• 10 Things You Didn’t Know about Louis Tetu