Reed Hastings (1960–present)

Question 1

What company did Reed Hastings co-found in 1997?

Answer 1

Netflix

Question 2

What is Reed Hastings most known for?

Answer 2

Co-founding Netflix and revolutionizing media consumption through streaming services.

Question 3

Where did Reed Hastings serve as a teacher in the Peace Corps?

Answer 3

Swaziland (now Eswatini)

Question 4

Which company did Reed Hastings found before Netflix?

Answer 4

Pure Software

Question 5

Reed Hastings holds a master’s degree in which field?

Answer 5

Computer Science

Question 6

What major transition did Netflix make in 2007?

Answer 6

Transition from DVD rental-by-mail service to streaming.

Question 7

What inspired Reed Hastings to create Netflix?

Answer 7

He was frustrated after receiving a $40 late fee for a rental from a video store.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Netflix’s corporate culture emphasizes ______.

Answer 8

Responsibility, freedom, and not tolerating mediocrity.

Question 9

Which educational reform does Reed Hastings support?

Answer 9

Charter schools and innovative learning models.

Question 10

Name one major Netflix original series that marked its entry into content production.

Answer 10

House of Cards

Question 11

How did Reed Hastings respond to the customer backlash in 2011 after Netflix’s price hike and splitting services?

Answer 11

He quickly backtracked and apologized publicly.

Question 12

What was the outcome of Netflix’s attempt to split its DVD and streaming services in 2011?

Answer 12

The company lost around 800,000 subscribers in a single quarter.

Question 13

In what year did Netflix begin its transition to original content production?

Answer 13

2013

Question 14

How did Reed Hastings’ leadership style at Netflix differ from traditional management?

Answer 14

He fostered creativity with policies like unlimited vacation days and minimal approval for decisions.

Question 15

Why is Reed Hastings considered a key figure in the disruption of the entertainment industry?

Answer 15

He shifted content distribution from cable and physical media to streaming.

Question 16

What period in history saw the rise of Reed Hastings and Netflix?

Answer 16

Late 20th and early 21st century, during the internet and digital tech boom.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: Reed Hastings’ company Netflix helped popularize the phenomenon of ______-watching.

Answer 17

Binge

Question 18

What was Reed Hastings’ management experience at Pure Software like, and how did it influence his later leadership?

Answer 18

He found it challenging, which shaped his philosophy of employee freedom and responsibility at Netflix.

Question 19

What challenge did Reed Hastings face in his advocacy for charter schools?

Answer 19

Opposition from teachers’ unions and public education advocates.

Question 20

Which streaming service model did Netflix popularize under Reed Hastings’ leadership?

Answer 20

Subscription-based streaming

Question 21

How did Reed Hastings stay informed about Netflix’s content?

Answer 21

He watched all Netflix original shows, even the poorly reviewed ones.

Question 22

Where did Reed Hastings earn his undergraduate degree?

Answer 22

Bowdoin College

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Reed Hastings was born in ______, Massachusetts.

Answer 23

Boston

Question 24

Which famous movie’s late fee inspired Reed Hastings to create Netflix?

Answer 24

Apollo 13

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Reed Hastings’ influence is most felt in the _______ industry.

Answer 25

Entertainment

Question 26

What apology did Reed Hastings make to Netflix customers in 2011?

Answer 26

He apologized for attempting to split Netflix’s services and raising prices.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: Reed Hastings’ leadership helped Netflix transition from DVDs to streaming in _______.

Answer 27

2007

Question 28

What technological trend helped Netflix thrive during its shift to streaming?

Answer 28

The widespread adoption of broadband internet.