Co-created the DVD-by-mail concept with Hastings, coined the Netflix name, and served as CEO from 1997 to 1999 before Hastings asked him to step aside - a detail the popular narrative usually skips entirely.

Timeframe: 1997-present (ongoing friendship)

Backed both Pure Software and Netflix through Kleiner Perkins, served as a sounding board Hastings has said helped him process feeling like a failure at Pure Software, and co-funded a $6 million California education ballot measure with Hastings in 2000.

Timeframe: 1990s-2000s

Drove Netflix's pivot into original programming starting with House of Cards, fundamentally transforming Netflix from a content licensor into a content studio, and eventually succeeded Hastings as co-CEO in 2023.

Timeframe: 2000-present

Co-directs the couple's major philanthropic giving, including a $120 million HBCU gift in 2020 and continued giving to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Timeframe: 1991-present

Built Netflix's advertising tier, partnerships, and gaming initiatives before being promoted to co-CEO alongside Sarandos when Hastings stepped down in 2023.

Timeframe: 2008-present

Rejected Netflix's $50 million sale offer in 2000, reportedly laughing Hastings's team out of the room - a rejection that confirmed Blockbuster wouldn't compete in DVD-by-mail and left the entire market open for Netflix.

Timeframe: 2000