Zoom CEO: How to Run Better Video Meetings

Even after 15 years leading Zoom, CEO Eric Yuan believes video meetings can be significantly improved. According to The New York Times, Yuan emphasizes that the most successful meetings occur when participants “can be themselves” rather than maintaining rigid formality. His insights offer practical guidance for professionals struggling with unproductive video calls that have become standard in modern workplaces.

Preparation Sets the Foundation

Yuan identifies preparation as the single most important factor for successful Zoom meetings. This goes beyond simply scheduling a call—it requires thoughtful consideration of who should attend and who shouldn’t. A clear agenda communicated beforehand ensures everyone arrives ready to contribute meaningfully. Yuan prioritizes this step above all others, recognizing that proper planning directly impacts meeting outcomes and participant engagement.

Creating Authentic Meeting Culture

The second critical element Yuan highlights is fostering an environment where people feel comfortable being authentic rather than overly formal. He advocates against excessive politeness, noting that Zoom calls often become unnecessarily stiff and corporate. Yuan encourages appropriate interruptions and natural conversation flow, suggesting that genuine interaction produces better results than rigid protocols.

Yuan also emphasizes maintaining accessibility by keeping his Zoom link available in his email signature, enabling spontaneous scheduling. For closing calls efficiently, he recommends using the chat feature to communicate departures gracefully before leaving.

With Zoom’s market cap reaching $25.66 billion as of September 2025, Yuan’s perspective carries significant weight in workplace communication strategies. His advice reflects practical experience managing countless video calls and represents an evolution in how organizations can approach remote collaboration more effectively.