Debby Soo has reshaped OpenTable with a blend of determination and a strong sense of heritage. During a candid chat on the How She Does It podcast, she shares her journey toward becoming the CEO of OpenTable and the principles that guide her. From navigating the tumultuous pandemic to revitalizing the platform, her path is anything but ordinary.

Rooted in Grit: Growing Up as an Immigrant's Daughter

Soo's journey began in a bustling two-bedroom home in Daly City, California, where she lived with her immigrant family. Her parents dedicated long hours to building a travel agency, while Soo absorbed their work ethic and adaptability.

“I spent afternoons with my grandmother in Chinatown, shopping for groceries and visiting the local Mahjong Hall,” she remembers. “My parents were always busy working.”

Being the only child in an immigrant family, she honed her skills in code-switching and understanding social dynamics—capabilities that later became crucial in her professional life.

From Stanford to Wall Street and Learning from Setbacks

Even after graduating from Stanford, Soo felt she wasn’t the smartest in any room but consistently outworked her peers. She woke up at 4:30 a.m. in high school for studying, juggled multiple jobs during her MBA, and faced numerous rejections before securing a role in investment banking.

She candidly reflects on her achievements. “Looking at my polished resume, you might think it’s all success, but behind each bullet point lies a graveyard of failures,” she states.

Becoming a Female CEO: The Game-Changer

Under Soo’s guidance, OpenTable has focused on its core clientele: the 65,000 restaurants it serves. “Our mission is simple—we exist to support restaurants because their success translates to our success,” she explains.

From removing two-year contracts during the pandemic to revising pricing models and enhancing product features, Soo has driven a complete transformation at the company. She also established a strategic alliance with Visa to attract high-end restaurant clients and compete with rivals like Resy.

Leadership Evolution: Transitioning from Fixer to Builder

Soo sees herself as a natural problem-solver. However, as a female CEO, she’s learned the importance of empowering others to tackle challenges. She now aims to create robust systems that foster leadership and promote long-term growth.

“As CEO, I face countless problems. Everything can come to my desk,” she shares. “The goal is no longer to fix everything myself but to develop systems and train people so they can address issues independently.”

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