Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fonz Morris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Fonz, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?

People see where I am now and assume it all happened fast. It didn’t. There was no viral moment, no lucky break. Just years of putting in the work—building, failing, learning, and repeating.

Early on, I started companies that didn’t scale the way I hoped. But every experience taught me something—how to solve real problems, how to design with intention, how to move from idea to execution fast. At Coursera, we weren’t chasing features—we were solving abandonment and engagement issues. That made a lasting impression on how I approach growth: solve for pain, not applause.

Netflix took that thinking to another level. We were working on pricing strategy, retention, personalization—all tied to revenue. I learned to think like a business owner, not just a designer. Those years shaped how I look at product, teams, and decision-making.

When I started FNZMS, I didn’t have a master plan. I just knew how to drive impact. I didn’t build a team right away—I focused on doing good work and being known for it. My first clients came from people who had seen what I’d done over the years. No ads, no funnels, just trust.

There were mistakes. I underpriced my value. I took on projects that didn’t align. I tried to do too much. But over time, I learned to say no, tighten my scope, and focus on outcomes. Eventually, I stopped doing the execution myself and leaned into strategy. That’s when things shifted.

Scaling wasn’t about headcount or hype. It was about clarity. Knowing what I’m great at, doing it consistently, and building systems that let me step back. That’s how FNZMS grew. That’s how I’m building everything now.

No shortcuts. Just compounding effort and smart decisions, year after year.

Fonz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Fonz Morris—entrepreneur, strategist, author, and former Netflix product design lead. I’ve spent my career helping companies grow by deeply understanding users and aligning their needs with business outcomes. My background spans multiple industries—from education to entertainment to AI—with a focus on monetization, user engagement, and strategic innovation.

I got my start as a self-taught designer from Brooklyn, launching my first startup with no formal training but a relentless drive to solve real problems. Coming out of my own entrepreneurial journey, I helped Coursera grow to over 20 million users, then joined Netflix where I led growth work that helped the platform pass 300 million subscribers and drive over $3 billion in revenue. Today, I run FNZMS, a strategy and advisory firm that supports startups and VCs with growth strategy, product design, and monetization.

My work isn’t about surface-level design—it’s about crafting systems, experiences, and strategies that drive retention, revenue, and relevance. I also launched Build Boldly, a global entrepreneurship platform that equips diverse founders with the skills and tools to scale their ideas through design, storytelling, and strategy.

What sets me apart is my ability to operate across disciplines: I speak business, I speak design, I understand tech, and I move fast. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve made—especially in opening doors for others, teaching globally, investing in founders, and sharing the journey through public speaking, mentorship, and my book Self Design.

At the core of my brand is this belief: growth isn’t just about users or revenue—it’s about evolving as people, companies, and communities. I build for that kind of growth.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My audience grew because I made a conscious effort to be present and visible—not just online, but in the real world too. I attended events, met people, followed up, and stayed connected. I supported others first—celebrated their wins, commented on their work, shared their projects. That goodwill always came back around.

I also made it a habit to document the journey. When I traveled, spoke on stage, or met new people, I took photos and shared them on LinkedIn. I didn’t just post for attention—I posted to bring people along. I shared the behind-the-scenes moments most people don’t talk about: the nerves before a keynote, the jetlag, the doubts, the lessons. That honesty helped people relate.

I posted articles relevant to my work and values, especially around growth design, entrepreneurship, and inclusion. I put thought into every post—making sure it was clear, inclusive, and rooted in something real. I didn’t chase trends. I focused on impact.

The key for me was consistency and intention. I didn’t just want followers—I wanted community. And you build that by showing up fully, being generous with your knowledge, and making space for others along the way.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

After my second startup, Mychannel, lost our biggest client—a major pharma company—we were forced to shut down. That wasn’t just a financial hit; it was emotional. I had poured years of work, sacrifice, and belief into that company.
Watching it unravel so quickly left me questioning everything—my timing, my leadership, even my future in the industry.

Not long after, I made it to the final round for a role at Meta. It felt like my comeback was already in motion. But at the last minute, I got the rejection email. Two major blows in less than six months. I was tired, discouraged, and for a moment, unsure if I had it in me to keep pushing.

But I did. I kept applying. I refined my portfolio. I doubled down on what I could control—my craft, my story, my energy. Eventually, I landed a role at Coursera. They believed in my potential and relocated me to the Bay Area. That job reignited everything. I helped them scale to over 20 million users, applying everything I’d learned from my startup journey. That momentum carried me forward, and I eventually joined Netflix, where I helped drive over $3B in revenue and contributed to scaling the platform to over 300 million users globally.

Resilience isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, gritty, and repetitive—showing up when no one’s watching, rebuilding after rejection, and choosing not to quit. That season of my life taught me how to keep showing up

Contact Info:

• Website: http://fonzmorris.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fonzmoney/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fonzmorris/
• Twitter: https://x.com/youngfonz