In the late 1990s, Amazon was on a rapid expansion spree, transforming from an online bookstore into a global e-commerce giant. Steve Yegge, who joined Amazon in 1998 as a technical program manager, shares his firsthand experiences working for the company during its formative years. Despite the grueling work environment and questionable practices, Yegge found Jeff Bezos to be an exceptional leader with unparalleled vision and magnetism. This essay explores Yegge’s journey at Amazon and provides insights into the company’s culture under Bezos’s leadership.

A Journey Through Amazon's Early Expansion

During the late 1990s, a period marked by explosive growth in the tech industry, Steve Yegge embarked on a career-defining journey when he joined Amazon as a technical program manager. Fresh out of college, Yegge had been intrigued by stories from friends who had already begun working at this nascent online retailer. He soon realized that Amazon was not just any startup; it was a place where something extraordinary was brewing, all centered around the visionary founder, Jeff Bezos.

The atmosphere inside Amazon’s headquarters was far from glamorous. The offices were dimly lit and unrefined, yet there was an undeniable buzz in the air. Bezos’s relentless drive to scale the company quickly was palpable. Yegge recalls being part of an intense hiring spree, often conducting multiple interviews simultaneously to meet the company’s aggressive growth targets. His role evolved over time, spanning various departments, including customer service tools and developer tools, before eventually leading him to work on a secret project directly for Bezos himself.

Bezos’s leadership style was hands-on and commanding. He frequently engaged with employees across different levels, challenging them to think outside the box and pushing boundaries. Despite the demanding work environment and long hours, Yegge admired Bezos’s unwavering focus on the company’s mission. However, he also observed a darker side to the corporate culture, where employees faced immense pressure and sometimes harsh conditions.

Ultimately, Yegge left Amazon in 2005 to join Google, but his experiences working alongside Bezos left an indelible mark. Bezos’s ability to inspire and challenge his team, combined with his keen intellect, made him difficult to dislike, even if one disagreed with certain aspects of the company’s practices.

Reflecting on his time at Amazon, Yegge acknowledges the complexity of working for a company that prioritized rapid growth over employee well-being. Yet, he remains a loyal customer, recognizing the significant impact Bezos had on shaping the future of e-commerce.

From a journalist's perspective, Yegge’s account offers a rare glimpse into the early days of Amazon, highlighting both the brilliance and the challenges of working under one of the most influential leaders in tech history. It serves as a reminder that behind every successful company lies a story of ambition, perseverance, and the human cost of innovation.