Based in Los Angeles, Matt Ingebrigtsen is a tech executive who most recently served as Zendesk’s vice president of sales. He oversaw the market expansion efforts of more than 50 team members and developed a robust pipeline of highly qualified talent. Responsible for the North American territory, he implemented programs that enhanced personnel skills and their ability to close impactful deals. Matt Ingebrigtsen supported collaborative, cross-functional efforts that boosted client engagement across key verticals. Through these strategies, he built a robust client roster of mid-market business clients valued at $130 million. He earned distinction for leading Zendesk’s Top Growth Region and Highest New Business Region of 2021 and 2022.
Mr. Ingebrigtsen holds a political science/Marketing degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He also earned an MBA at Pepperdine University.
Outdoors activities have been a vital part of Mr. Ingebrigtsen’s identity since growing up surfing in Malibu. He is active with organizations such as Surf Conservation, which places a monetary value on biodiverse reef ecosystems that helps ensure their continued survival. He also has strong Scandinavian roots and has visited the region with his family, taking in the unique food, culture, history, and nature.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I am up at 5:30 am. Sometimes, I run for 30 minutes on the beach before work. I scan the financial markets, then I start my day around 6:30 am.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I write ideas down first. Then build a quick decision tree framework to validate them or pack them away.
What’s one trend that excites you?
AI is like the internet in 1998, which I lived through. Over the next 10 years, we are going to see so much rapid change in tech. I want to be on the forefront of creating and selling it to overall enhance our lives.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I start with prioritizing my tasks from most difficult to easy. I then evaluate if I can knock out the most difficult one first or not. I always try to take on the task I don’t want to do first, however, time may not permit that. I then follow the order to complete the rest.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Buy more AMZN, CRM, TSLA, ZEN, MSOFT, ORCL, and NOW stock. Buy those properties that you were looking at in Austin in 2011. No regrets.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Neil Peart was the best drummer in the world before he passed away. Most people agree, but not all. Since there are some amazing musicians out there.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I start my day with gratitude. If you are grateful, some of those other issues that get to you go away for the moment.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
CrossFit, work out. Go for a run on the beach.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I believe in education. I pursued other degrees and certifications to ensure I not only knew the mechanics of business but surrounded myself with like-minded successful people.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I believe in failing forward. My first start-up was very challenging and ultimately had product issues and funding issues. What did I learn from that experience? How could I use it in the future?
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Slack, SFDC, ChatGPT. These are all tools that enable me to run my business with velocity and accuracy.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Good to Great is one of my favorite business books. I am enjoying podcasts from Tony Robbins and Mel Robbins.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoyed all seasons of Succession. Interesting to watch the transfer of wealth among families and how the family is able to carry on for generations or not.
Key learnings
- Start each day with intentionality and gratitude. Establishing a strong morning routine—such as exercising, reflecting, and reviewing goals—can set the tone for a productive and focused day.
- Validate ideas through structured thinking. Using decision trees and quick frameworks can help efficiently determine the viability of business concepts before investing time or resources.
- Invest in continuous learning and surround yourself with ambitious peers. Advancing your education and certifications not only builds knowledge but also creates opportunities through high-level professional networks.
- Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Early entrepreneurial challenges offer critical lessons that can inform future ventures and foster long-term resilience.
- Stay on the forefront of emerging technology. Viewing AI as the next internet revolution positions innovators to leverage exponential growth and transformative change over the next decade.