What one year leading Freshworks has taught me about simplicity and speed
Freshworks CEO and President Dennis Woodside reflects on the year since becoming CEO
Editor’s note: The following column first appeared on LinkedIn.
A year ago, I stepped into the CEO role at Freshworks with a clear belief: that business software could be powerful and easy to use.
What drew me to the company initially still energizes me now—a mission rooted in accessibility, speed, and empathy for the people who actually use software every day. After working with companies like Google and Dropbox, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative great products can be when they challenge convention. Freshworks felt like one of those rare companies: a disruptor in an industry that too often settles for complexity.
One year in, that belief hasn’t just held—it’s been tested, shaped, and strengthened. In that time, we’ve grown our platform, deepened customer relationships, and helped more businesses adopt AI in ways that are fast, useful, and human. And through it all, we’ve stayed true to our DNA: software that just works—and delivers value fast.
As I look back on the last 12 months, one thing has become increasingly clear: in a time when many businesses are overcomplicating, the real differentiator, from product roadmaps to leadership principles, is staying simple—and moving fast.
Simplicity is a leadership decision
It’s easy to let complexity build. It’s harder—and more valuable—to cut through it. The most effective teams I’ve worked with don’t equate “more” with “better.” They focus on doing fewer things, faster and more effectively.
The most effective leaders I’ve worked with aren’t chasing more. They focus on doing fewer things, faster and more effectively. Their focus usually centers around three questions:
Are our teams empowered to do great work without roadblocks?
Are we delivering meaningful value to customers consistently and clearly?
Is our AI helping people make decisions, or just adding noise?
This kind of clarity isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about choosing what matters most—and having the discipline to stick to it. Simplicity isn’t a constraint. It’s clarity. And in growing companies, clarity creates momentum.
Read also: How Freshworks is moving upmarket
Speed turns priorities into progress
Momentum compounds when you move with clarity. Over the past year, I’ve seen how quickly value can be delivered when teams are aligned, when tools just work, and when decisions don’t get buried in bureaucracy.
Speed isn’t about moving recklessly. It’s about enabling teams to take action without unnecessary blockers. It’s what helps companies stay responsive, build trust, and stay aligned on what matters.
One of the things I value most about our approach at Freshworks is how quickly we help customers see value. We don’t believe in overengineered rollouts or multi-year projects. Our focus is on fast, impactful outcomes, and that focus has been reflected in how our customers are adopting and scaling with us.
Especially in today’s environment, speed isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity.
Looking ahead
Freshworks has made meaningful progress this year, and I’m proud of what we’ve built. But I’m even more excited about what’s next.
There’s no perfect playbook for the next chapter—as we grow, we’ll keep doing what works: simplifying where others overengineer, delivering value quickly, and staying focused on people-first priorities.
To our customers, our partners, and especially the Freshworks team: thank you for an incredible first year. And a word of gratitude to Girish Mathrubootham, whose vision and leadership made this company what it is. It’s a privilege to build on the foundation he created—and to help carry it forward into our next chapter.
