In 1983, in Detroit, Michigan, a girl was born to Indian immigrant parents. Her name was Anjali Sud.
Growing up, she was curious and ambitious, never afraid to chart her own course. Her parents encouraged her to dream big, and she embraced the challenges of being different in an environment where she often stood out.
“I always felt like an outsider. But that taught me the value of owning who you are.”
The Path of Learning
Anjali studied finance and management at Wharton, University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, she worked in investment banking and private equity, learning the mechanics of business. But she wanted to build things, not just analyze them.
So she pursued her MBA at Harvard Business School, equipping herself with the tools and network to step into the world of media and technology.
Joining Vimeo
In 2014, Anjali joined Vimeo, a company known for its creative community and high-quality video hosting. At the time, Vimeo was competing with YouTube but struggling to find its edge.
Anjali, then in her early 30s, proposed a bold shift: instead of fighting giants for viewers, Vimeo should empower creators with tools — to make, share, and monetize videos on their own terms.
“You don’t have to be a filmmaker to tell a story. Everyone deserves the tools to communicate through video.”
The Rise to CEO
Her vision resonated. Vimeo pivoted from being a consumer video platform to a SaaS (software as a service) company for creators and businesses.
In 2017, at just 34 years old, Anjali Sud was named CEO of Vimeo. Under her leadership, the company grew rapidly, serving not only filmmakers but also startups, educators, and global enterprises.
She took Vimeo public in 2021, making it one of the few female-led tech IPOs in history.
“I want to build a company where creators of all kinds feel seen, supported, and celebrated.”
Leadership with Authenticity
Anjali’s leadership style is often described as humble, empathetic, and bold. She speaks openly about imposter syndrome, about the importance of embracing difference, and about building inclusive workplaces.
“The best leaders I know are the ones who listen more than they talk.”
Her journey has made her a role model for women in tech, immigrants, and young leaders who believe that authenticity is as powerful as ambition.
Beyond Vimeo
In 2023, Anjali stepped down as CEO of Vimeo after nearly a decade of transformative leadership. She continues to serve in leadership roles in technology and media, carrying forward her mission of empowering people through digital tools.
Her story is not just about business, but about resilience, vision, and the courage to see opportunity where others see obstacles.
The Legacy in Motion
From Detroit to Wall Street to the helm of a global video platform, Anjali Sud’s journey is proof that leadership is not about fitting in but about standing out — and lifting others as you rise.
“It’s not about being fearless. It’s about doing it anyway.”