Feb 5, 2022How to Make Customers Feel Like You’ve Read Their MindMost start-up founders (myself included) look to finding product/market fit as their top priority. We obsess with designing and building product features to align with the needs of the prospects we are pursuing. Technical founders love this. When someone brings up addressing language, it’s usually kicked down the road to…B2B2 min readB2B2 min read
Feb 3, 2022Fish! A Simple Philosophy to a Better World of WorkIn Seattle, there’s a world-famous fish market called Pike Place. So popular, there’s a New York Times bestseller book entitled ‘Fish!’ and a recognised Fish philosophy, all modelled on the work culture of this fishmonger’s market. We spend upwards of 75 per cent of our awake adult life focused on…Culture2 min readCulture2 min read
Feb 3, 2022My 10 Considerations for Scaling Tech Companies rolling out OKRs for the first timeNon-negotiables — Buy-in and clarity at senior leadership, a well-defined mission and vision and data that can be measured. Outcomes over output — Doing stuff isn’t the point. Achieving stuff is. Manage by intent — good OKRs express purpose, context and overall, what success looks like. Right environment — OKRs…Objectives Key Results2 min readObjectives Key Results2 min read
Feb 2, 20225 Things New Managers in Tech Should Focus on FirstSo you’ve been promoted from that lead technical engineer role to a management position. Similar role, right, just some more responsibilities for people? From my experience, there’s a fundamental shift to leading people. Here are five things I would prioritise: 1. Establish your leadership philosophy Start by thinking long and hard about your leadership philosophy. …Leadership2 min readLeadership2 min read
Feb 1, 2022What we can learn from the Netflix Culture Deck as Business LeadersThe Netflix culture deck was a collaboration between founder and CEO Reed Hastings, and Patty McCord. Published back in 2009, it reimagined HR and crafted a gold standard for Culture. Let’s explore each aspect of it: 1. Values are what we Value: Netflix believes actual Company values are the behaviours and skills your people value, not…Culture2 min readCulture2 min read
Feb 1, 20225 Strategies to Keep Your Best People from Walking Out The DoorWith employees jumping ship in record numbers, tough decisions must be made. While hiring replacements feels like the priority, it’s expensive and highly time-consuming. Instead, switch your focus to retention. Here are five strategies based on extensive research and experience. 1. Bring Purpose to Life Purpose is the fundamental reason that your business exists. It’s…Retention2 min readRetention2 min read
Jan 30, 2022Continuous Performance Management — What’s that all about?Like many, I’ve experienced the failings of the annual performance review from both sides. I experienced them early in my career as a software engineer and later as a manager when my team were invariably disappointed and disheartened with the overall outcome. Surely, there has to be a better approach…Performance Management2 min readPerformance Management2 min read
Jan 30, 2022Our Work-from-Anywhere Future and How Big Companies Make it WorkEmbracing remote work as a permanent fixture all seems too hard for some companies at the minute. Before you push send on the company-wide announcement asking everyone back to the office, let’s look at the research you can trust. Harvard Business studied global companies such as GitLab, Zapier, Tata Consultancy…Remote Working2 min readRemote Working2 min read
Jan 27, 2022Becoming a Better Listener as a Start-up FounderCommunication skills are the cornerstone of great leaders, and the most effective way to deliver on this is becoming better at listening. As a start-up founder, it’s easy to assume that listening is merely about showing up, nodding heads and paying attention. It’s also deeply tied to paying attention to…Listening2 min readListening2 min read
Jan 26, 20223 Things That Accelerated My Career Trajectory Working in TechMy career working in technology spans almost 20 years now. Here I reflect on my early career and three things that made a difference. I hope that sharing offers some value to others considering their next move or who feel stuck. Now, let’s dive in. Move Country Travelling and living abroad expands…Careers2 min readCareers2 min read
