Talent, Tech & Time Travel: Q&A with General Manager Amit Arora

When Amit Arora was ready for a career change, it was important for him to find a strong team working on a transformative idea. A business school classmate and former colleague introduced him to Opendoor, and he discovered that the density of talent among the early team at Opendoor was far higher than any company he had ever seen, the mission and vision of the company resonated with him, and the opportunity was massive. He was ready for the challenge.

Amit started his career at Goldman Sachs and Bain Capital before attending Harvard Business School and working in venture capital. He then joined Opendoor and was promoted to Opendoor General Manager.

Passionate about the work he’s doing at Opendoor and the mission we’re working toward, Amit told us more about what attracted him to Opendoor, the challenges he has faced along the way, and what makes living in Atlanta so fun.

Q: What attracted you to Opendoor?

The people and the places we could go together, all while changing the lives of thousands of customers along the way. I was looking for a really big challenge to work on alongside really smart people, and I found it the day I walked into Opendoor. The density of talent among the early team at Opendoor was far higher than any company I’d seen during my time in venture, and the opportunity ahead was massive.

I was particularly drawn to the humility and mission-driven orientation of the people I met during the interview process. I feel lucky that the company took a bet on me, and even two-and-a-half years in, I love coming into work every day.

Q: What’s your favorite part of being a General Manager (GM) at Opendoor?

Nothing can ever beat helping customers move onto the next chapter of their lives. Every single story is unique, and it’s so incredible to be a part of someone’s story who is making a life change. I also really enjoy building high-performing teams. Given the pace of growth, we often find ourselves promoting strong individual contributors to operation management positions.

One of my favorite parts of the GM role is empowering those leaders to run effective teams and grow as leaders themselves. As a GM, you’re only as good as the team around you, so being a great coach really helps you succeed here.

Q: What was your most memorable customer experience?

A: We closed on a home and were cleaning up before beginning some repairs and found an old shoebox. Typically, something like this would be thought of as garbage and thrown away, but when we opened it, we found a collection of old family photographs.

We got in touch with the family and arranged a meeting to return their priceless photos. They were incredibly grateful.

I love this story because it’s a small example that highlights Opendoor’s culture of focusing on the details to deliver a seamless customer experience.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’re looking forward to solving over the next 6-12 months?

A: Continuing to deliver an exceptional product (our home buying and selling experience) and customer experience as we grow rapidly.

Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?

A: I love running and going on hikes with my wife … really anything outdoors. I’m an aspiring chef and enjoy having friends over as guinea pigs for my creations. I also love hanging out with my two-year-old nephew whom I adore (he just learned how to say my name!)

Q: How has working at Opendoor provided you with the freedom to pursue your hobbies and work/life balance?

A: At Opendoor, we measure success by output, and not by how or where our teammates get the work done. That flexibility allows me to work when and where it’s most convenient, and also to unplug, recharge, and spend time with friends and family.

Q: What is your favorite local restaurant and why?

A: I’m relatively new to Atlanta, but I really enjoyed Poor Calvin’s – great atmosphere, food, and service. That said, message me on LinkedIn if you have any recommendations for great southern cooking!

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

A: Time travel. I’d love to meet key historical figures and be a fly on the wall during transformational moments over the course of time.

Check out our conversations with General Managers of other Opendoor markets:

• Opendoor’s Charlotte GM on what it’s like to break ground in a hot real estate market

• Rocking into Music City: Chat with Opendoor’s Nashville Head of Homes, Ruth Franczyk

Further reading