Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has opened up about his 16-year connection with Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, during which time both firms have become multibillion-dollar corporate behemoths. Despite their intimate affinity, Ek has set a strict barrier in one aspect of their friendship: sports. Zuckerberg, who has recently taken up mixed martial arts (MMA) and surfing, has discovered a new sense of purpose in these physical activities. However, Ek has been careful not to make these hobbies into a common interest, noting mutual competition and a strong dislike of losing.
“The rule I have with Mark is that I don’t try to compete with him because I know it will end badly for both of us,” Ek said on the Acquired podcast. He also stated that he prefers to avoid sports with Zuckerberg after watching how heated things can become, citing an occasion in which Zuckerberg tore his ACL during MMA training last year. “I like playing when I know I’ll win, so I think it’s a pretty good thing not to do that,” Ek told the crowd.
A friendship forged through technology
The two initially met at a cookout in 2008, introduced by Sean Parker, an early Facebook and Spotify investor. Their bond immediately strengthened as they pondered ways to incorporate Facebook’s social features.
Over the years, Ek has acknowledged Zuckerberg for shaping his leadership style. Ek sees Zuckerberg as the finest learner he’s ever met, frequently delving deep into topics and swiftly understanding them. “You can have a conversation with him about a topic, and the next time, he knows more than most experts,” Ek told me.
Zuckerberg’s attitude to meetings has also influenced Ek. While Zuckerberg often holds huge groups of 15 to 20 people, Ek’s Swedish upbringing has influenced him to embrace a more Scandinavian leadership style that emphasizes delegation and shared responsibility. “I’m probably the least powerful person at Spotify because of how I delegate,” Ek told me.