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Esther Crawford
Angel Investor, Former Director of Product Management at Twitter
Esther Crawford is a notable figure in the tech industry, currently serving as the Director of Product Management at Meta, specifically focusing on the Messenger platform. Previously, she held a similar position at Twitter (now X), where she was instrumental in launching key projects like Twitter Blue and Spaces. Crawford's tenure at Twitter lasted over two years, from December 2020 until her layoff in February 2023, following Elon Musk's acquisition of the company.123
Career Background
Crawford's career began with her founding and leading a video chat startup called Squad, which was acquired by Twitter in December 2020. This acquisition led to her transition into Twitter, where she reported directly to the CEO and worked on various revenue-generating products, including Twitter Blue and monetization strategies for creators.26
During her time at Twitter, she became known for her dedication, famously sharing a photo of herself sleeping at the office to highlight the intense work culture under Musk's leadership. This image went viral and became emblematic of the demanding environment at the company. Despite her commitment, she later expressed concerns about employee burnout and the high-pressure atmosphere created by Musk's management style.35
Transition to Meta
In April 2024, Crawford announced her new role at Meta, expressing excitement about joining a company that aligns with her passion for enhancing human connection through technology. She praised Meta's leadership and the potential impact of its products on a global scale.12
In addition to her role at Meta, Crawford is also an angel investor and has been involved with Sequoia Capital, focusing on early-stage startups that promote healing and connection.46
Personal Insights
Crawford has shared her nuanced views on Elon Musk, acknowledging his strengths while also critiquing the lack of psychological safety at Twitter under his leadership. She described Musk as both charming and unpredictable, highlighting the challenges of working closely with him.5 After her departure from Twitter, she reflected positively on her experiences, stating that being laid off was "the best gift" she could have received, allowing her to pursue new opportunities.5
Overall, Esther Crawford's career reflects a strong commitment to product innovation and a deep interest in fostering connections through technology, making her a significant player in the tech landscape.
Highlights
It’s very upsetting to know I’m supposed to keep up healthy habits for the next 50+ years.
Taste and craft are under appreciated in product management. While great ideas can come from anywhere I believe just a few people should be tasked with aiming, and everyone should know who those people are in the org/company.
