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13 April 2026

Max Meran, Opinary: How to Lead a Team Right with Over 100 Million Views

About this episode

Max Meran has achieved impressive numbers with his company Opinary: over 100 million views and more than 10 million users per month. But behind these success metrics lies more than just a good product – it's primarily the way Max leads his team and gets the best out of his employees.

What is Opinary?

Opinary provides software for cross-platform online surveys that address topics of general interest. The company has managed to build a broad user base and regularly reach millions of people. This reach is no coincidence, but the result of strategic decisions – not least in the area of human resources.

Recruiting as the Foundation of Success

For Max Meran, success begins with recruiting. As co-founder, he knows that having the right people on the team makes the difference between growth and stagnation. But how do you find the right candidates, and more importantly: how do you recognize who really fits into the company?

The challenge lies not only in finding technically competent employees, but also those who fit the company culture and are ready to work in a fast-growing environment. With over 10 million monthly users, standing still is not an option – the team must be able to keep up.

Human Resources: More Than Just Personnel Administration

Max's approach to human resources goes far beyond traditional personnel administration. It's about creating an environment where employees don't just function, but can flourish. This means:

Defining clear expectations: Everyone on the team must understand what is expected of them and how their contribution looks in terms of overall success.

Creating development opportunities: In a company that generates over 100 million views, there are constantly new challenges and learning opportunities.

Establishing feedback culture: Regular, constructive feedback helps identify and foster potential.

Practice-Oriented Leadership

What particularly distinguishes Max's approach is its practical orientation. Theoretical HR concepts are only implemented if they actually deliver measurable results. In a company with Opinary's reach, the numbers count in the end – and they speak for themselves.

The art lies in finding the balance between the pressure created by rapid growth and the necessity of maintaining a motivated team. Max shows how to successfully master this balance.

Scaling Without Quality Loss

With over 10 million monthly users, Opinary faces the constant challenge of scaling without losing quality. This applies to both the product and the team. Max's experiences show how important it is to create structures from the beginning that can grow with the company.

Learnings for Other Founders

Max Meran's approach at Opinary offers valuable insights for other founders facing similar challenges. The combination of strategic recruiting, thoughtful human resources management, and practice-oriented leadership can make the difference between a fast-growing startup and a sustainable company.

Opinary's numbers speak for themselves – but behind them are people who need to be properly led and motivated. Max shows how this works in practice.

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