At 25, Molly Graham transitioned from a stable role in Facebook’s HR department to a high-risk opportunity helping to build a mobile phone. While the move initially felt like a potential career derailer, Graham now considers it a pivotal moment in her professional life.
The “J-Curve” of Career Growth
Graham describes her experience as an example of the “J-curve”—a career trajectory characterized by an initial setback followed by significant gains. She visualizes this as a descent before a substantial rise, mirroring the shape of the letter J. She detailed this concept further in her Lessons Substack.
This perspective challenges the traditional notion of a linear career path with consistent, incremental promotions. Graham argues that valuable growth often stems from embracing roles one isn’t fully prepared for and navigating the resulting challenges.
From HR to Hardware
Graham’s J-curve began with a direct request from Chamath Palihapitiya, then Facebook’s vice president of growth, to join the effort to develop a smartphone. Despite having no prior experience in product development, she was brought into a team of engineers and specialists. She admitted to feeling unprepared for much of her first six months.
Her midyear performance review, described as the worst of her career, ultimately proved to be a turning point. Graham recounted a moment during a trip to Taiwan where she was able to explain to Palihapitiya why a particular design element wouldn’t work, realizing at that moment she was developing expertise in mobile technology.
Although the phone project itself was a “giant failure” and a “massive, costly failure for Facebook,” Graham asserts it was not a failure for her personally. The experience instilled in her the confidence to operate outside her comfort zone, a skill that proved invaluable in subsequent leadership roles, including COO of Quip (acquired by Salesforce for $750 million) and a leadership position at the $7.4 billion Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Implications for Fast-Paced Companies
Graham believes the J-curve is particularly prevalent in fast-moving companies like Meta, Alphabet, Nvidia, and SpaceX, where adaptability is highly valued. In these environments, a willingness to take risks and learn quickly can outweigh the need to meet every qualification. Even Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Graham’s father cautioned against the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “J-curve” in career development?
The “J-curve” is a career trajectory where a risky move initially leads to a decline or setback, but ultimately results in significant growth and success, resembling the shape of the letter J.
Who initially encouraged Molly Graham to take the risk?
Chamath Palihapitiya, then Facebook’s vice president of growth, urged Molly Graham to leave her role in HR and help develop a mobile phone.
Was the mobile phone project a success?
According to Molly Graham, the phone project was a “giant failure” and a “massive, costly failure for Facebook,” but it was a valuable learning experience for her.
Ultimately, Graham’s story suggests that embracing challenges and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, even in the face of potential setbacks, can unlock unexpected opportunities and lead to a more fulfilling career.
