Leadership For Unicorns Podcast

Dora Nagy is CEO Coach & Advisor, who helps CEOs typically at series A and beyond step up their game in how they lead and execute, using tried-and-tested toolkits, approaches, and frameworks. In this episode she discusses the impact of feedback on individuals and the manipulation that can be associated with it. She shares personal experiences of receiving unfair evaluations and highlights the importance of seeking feedback with specific examples. Guest Links LinkedIn Website

In this LFU Podcast episode, Katharina Lueth (CCO & Managing Director at Raisin) discusses the challenges faced during a major project migration. She highlights the importance of over-communicating and supporting team members during high-pressure situations. She also emphasises the need for post-migration cleanup and planning for the weeks following the project. The episode concludes with the idea that teamwork and collaboration are essential for successful project execution. Guest Links ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Raisin/ Weltsparen⁠

In this episode, Rob is joined by Isabel Strijland, the Chief Growth Officer & Co-founder at Acelr8. They discuss the topic "When it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true," diving into the challenges and lessons learned in building a business. From adapting to major disruptions to the importance of overcommunication, Isabel shares valuable insights for leaders in tech. Tune in to gain inspiration and learn from real-world experiences! Guest Links LinkedIn Acelr8 Resources Mentioned Notion Slack Loom

Kritika Singh, Head of Account Development at TWAICE, explores the topic of being vulnerable at work. She shares her personal experience of facing a major life disruption while starting a new role and discusses the value of embracing vulnerability in the workplace. Join us as we delve into how she navigated the challenges, what she brought to work during this time, and the positive impact it had on her professional journey. Guest Links LinkedIn The Humble Expat Resources Mentioned Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss Ed Myllett Show

Ever wondered why some leaders effortlessly climb the corporate ladder while others get stuck? It's not always about skill; it's about evolving with your role. Tune in to Episode 14 as we chat with Kevin Goldsmith, the CTO at Distrokid. Kevin opens up about his challenging transition from being a developer to managing a rapidly scaling team at renowned companies like Adobe, Spotify, and Microsoft. We dissect the dangers of being a bottleneck, the importance of self-awareness, and how you can escape the trap of your own making. This episode is your guide to navigating the often-unspoken challenges that come with the responsibilities of scaling teams and companies. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, we've got insights that can help you level up. Links to the Guest Website: Kevin Goldsmith LinkedIn Profile Resources Mentioned Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen Management 3.0: Leading Agile Developers, Developing Agile Leaders by Jurgen Appelo VS Code Miro Mastodon Problem Solving Leadership by Gerald Weinberg

What can today's leaders learn from a wartime CMO? Patrick Stal, CMO at Zepz, joins us to share his battle-tested tools for guiding teams through disruption. Having steered marketing at TomTom, Uber, N26, and now Zepz, Patrick unveils his approach to rapid decision making, empathy-driven change, and measuring progress. Learn how this marketing veteran develops a bias for action, the power of product velocity, and why you must "move fast and move on" to lead your team to the next growth curve. Links Patrick's LinkedIn Resources Mentioned Erica Dhawan - Digital Body Language How minds change - Dave McRaney Intelligence Matters Podcast with Michael Morell

What does it take to get executives to approve fair pay? Cassidy Williams, the CTO at Contenda, had to do exactly that at a previous job. Learn how Cassidy used every trick in the book - from "brag docs" to forging alliances - to close an unfair pay gap. She explains the mental shifts she had to make, and what she'd do differently next time. Cassidy discusses: Creating "brag docs" to prove your value Managing during hypergrowth The calm of profitable “lifestyle” companies versus those backed by venture. Her top advice for advocates, leaders, and especially parents in tech Get the inside scoop on pay equity, company growth stages, parenting policies, and more on this episode with Contenda CTO Cassidy Williams. Cassidy's links Website LinkedIn Newsletter Twitter

Alex Weber, former Chief Growth Officer at N26, shares his journey going from one of the first employees to leading a team of over 100, in which time N26 reached unicorn status. Learn how Alex stepped up to lead the marketing function without prior experience, pushed through burnout, and grew into the CGO role. We cover: Taking over the marketing function without a marketing background Pushing through burnout and building a support system Hiring and managing seasoned executives Setting boundaries and expectations with the founder Focusing your time and avoiding reactive leadership Alex reflects on the key mindsets and practical steps that helped him shepherd hypergrowth while learning on the job. His story provides an inside look at leadership challenges at a rocketship startup and valuable lessons for leaders of all levels. Don't miss this candid conversation on Leadership for Unicorns. Links to the guest - Linkedin

In the midst of a tech industry recession, startups face the daunting challenge of navigating a world where hiring has come to a standstill. Bowen Moody, the CEO and founder of Wonderway, knows this all too well. His Berlin-based company, dedicated to training salespeople, had to make tough decisions during these trying times. In this episode, we dive deep into Bowen's journey, exploring the choices he made and the strategies he employed to keep his startup afloat. But it's not just about survival. We'll also discuss the transformative potential of AI for sales leaders and delve into the art of choosing the right learning opportunities for your team. With a focus on ensuring a tangible return on investment, this episode promises to be both enlightening and actionable. So, whether you're a startup founder, a sales leader, or just someone curious about the intersection of tech and business, this episode has something for you. Let's dive in! Links to the Guest Bowen Moody on LinkedIn Wonderway Stay tuned for resources mentioned in the episode. We'll provide Amazon links for easy access and purchase. Timestamps [00:01:14] Bowen's story [00:08:07] Bowen's story: Pivoting during a recession [00:18:08] The opportunities AI is bringing to sales leaders [00:27:49] How to know when your team needs to be upskilled [00:30:14] How to measure the ROI of learning

Welcome to Episode 09 with Guro Bakkeng Bergen, VP & GM at Fivetran. In this episode, we explore how leaders navigate through significant organisational shifts, the impact of artificial intelligence on leadership, and the importance of carefully selecting battles. Guro, with her rich experience at companies like Oracle, New Relic, and ServiceSource, shares her story of overcoming challenges during periods of drastic change. She highlights how the art of leadership has evolved and shares her insights on how AI and machine learning are creating new avenues in leadership. Links to the Guest Guro Bakkeng Bergan on LinkedIn Fivetran Timestamps [00:01:18] About Guro [00:02:31] How the role of a leader has changed in the past 18 years [00:05:39] Guro's story: A big shift with skewed insights [00:21:15] The opportunities AI is bringing to leadership [00:27:11] Making tech more representative [00:34:42] How Guro picks her fights

Join us in episode 08 of Leadership For Unicorns as we delve into the world of internal communication with Joanna Parsons, a seasoned consultant, trainer, and mentor. Joanna shares her wealth of knowledge and experience, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and solutions in the realm of internal comms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the importance of effective communication within an organization and the role of leadership in fostering it. Joanna's journey, from being overlooked despite her expertise to becoming a respected voice in her field, is both inspiring and enlightening. Her experiences shed light on the common issues faced by many, particularly women, in the workplace. Whether you're a leader looking to improve your team's communication or an individual seeking to make your voice heard, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies. Links to the Guest Joanna Parsons on LinkedIn Joanna's Website Resources Mentioned Robert Cialdini - Influence Timestamps [00:01:24] About Joanna [00:03:06] Communication issues in organisations [00:08:01] Joanna's story: Ignored by leadership [00:14:03] Building confidence and believing in yourself [00:17:51] Why internal communications is critical to business [00:22:19] How to overcome bad internal communication [00:24:03] How leaders can play their part in internal comms

Discover the secrets behind successful business operations in episode 07 of our podcast, as we dive deep into the modern operating model with Jenny Herald - VP of Product Evangelism at Quantive. With a history of navigating through the challenging landscapes of mergers and acquisitions, Jenny shares a trove of wisdom drawn from her multifaceted career. Having started out in the U.S military, Jenny's unique insights from her journey are bound to leave you captivated. Jenny's current focus revolves around OKRs, and while she recognizes their mixed reputation in the business world, she stands firm in her belief in their transformative power. Join us as we unravel the influence of OKRs in shaping successful companies, and let Jenny's eloquent advocacy sway your perception of this compelling business tool. Links to the Guest Dreams with Deadlines Podcast Quantive Jenny's LinkedIn Dreams with Deadlines Community Office Hours with Ben Lamorte Timestamps [00:01:15] Introducing Jenny [00:05:22] Lessons from the military: Commander's Intent [00:08:14] Wunderlist acquired by Microsoft [00:25:31] What are companies getting wrong with OKRs [00:31:40] How Jenny gets people engaged with OKRs [00:35:46] Creating a shared language of success [00:38:39] The modern operating model for business today Resources Mentioned Reid Hoffman, Blitzscaling JOHN DOERR, Speed and Scale John Doerr, Measure what matters

In episode 06 of Leadership for Unicorns, we speak to Dr. Veronika (Fischer) von Heise-Rotenburg, the CFO at Everphone. Veronika tells her story about the challenges she faced when her company was acquired. Acquisitions can often be tricky, and hers left her with a dilemma that affected her whole team. We also talk about valuable lessons she learned as a consultant, what value-based leadership means to her and how to promote sustainability in the workplace. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode is packed with golden nuggets that will help you navigate your leadership journey with confidence and purpose. Links to the Guest LinkedIn - Dr. Veronika von Heise-Rotenburg Resources Mentioned Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us (English Edition) by Daniel H. Pink Timestamps [00:00:11] Meet Veronika [00:01:42] Extracting Golden Nuggets: Insights from McKinsey [00:03:47] The Spice of Life: Harnessing the Power of Diverse Experiences [00:06:15] Life After the Big Buyout: Navigating Post-Acquisition Terrain [00:08:38] Knowing When to Pack Up: Identifying Your Exit Cue [00:14:49] Navigating the Whirlwind: Practical Tips for Leaders in the Midst of Acquisition [00:17:24] Leadership 101: The Influence of Values in Command [00:19:43] Spotting Virtues: Assessing Candidates Beyond Their Skills [00:21:29] Upholding the Flag: Keeping Company Values Intact [00:23:13] Times of Change: When and Why to Rethink Company Values [00:25:27] Value Vistas: A Comparative Look at Different Corporate Cultures [00:26:39] Values Unleashed: How They Catalyze Peak Performance [00:28:31] Here to Stay: The Imperative of Sustainability [00:33:20] No-Nos and Deal Breakers: The Unconventional Shit List [00:34:02] Laser-Focus 101: Habits and Principles for Streamlined Productivity

Summary Embark on an enriching journey in episode 05 of our podcast as we explore the intricate facets of leadership and project management with our guest, Andrii Dzynia, the Senior Director of Engineering at Talabat and a veteran from giants like Spotify and Candy Crush. Andrii walks us through his experience and insights into dealing with the occasional, yet inevitable, unrealistic expectations from higher-ups, which can lead to a slump in team morale if not handled deftly. In this enlightening conversation, we delve deep into the importance of self-reflection and the indispensability of strong values for creating a robust and trust-filled bond with your team. The crux? An empowered team that can stand their ground and push back when required, promoting a balanced and productive working atmosphere. Get ready to soak in Andrii's wisdom and let the ripple effect improve your leadership skills! Links to the Guest LinkedIn Website Twitter Instagram Resources Mentioned Steven Covey - Seven habits of highly effective people Steven Covey - The 8th Habit David Marquet - Turn the Ship Around Timestamps [00:01:05] About Andrii [00:04:09] Scaling companies [00:05:22] Why corporates aren't built for growth [00:07:51] A project that already wasn't going well [00:15:40] The importance of taking care of yourself [00:21:27] Building effective teams takes trust [00:26:06] Questions leaders should be asking themselves [00:29:15] Working in small chunks and small increments

Summary Welcome to episode 4 of our show, titled "From The Ashes," featuring Sacha Dekker: a Global Learning & Enablement Leader with a career at industry giants like HubSpot, LinkedIn, and Oracle. In an intimate and insightful conversation, we delve into Sacha's life-altering journey of resilience and recovery after waking up paralyzed from a routine operation. A blend of the personal and professional, this episode explores how the worlds of disability and business intersect. Get ready to be moved by Sacha's powerful story as we discuss the challenges she faced both personally and professionally and how she rose from the ashes to rebuild her life. Gain insights into how the tech industry handles disability, the struggle for authenticity, and the unique experiences of an international professional in an American company. Listen in and learn how you can apply the lessons from Sacha's life to your own. Links to the guest Sacha's keynote LinkedIn Instagram Twitter JustGiving fundraiser for Beaumont Hospital Foundation Timestamps [00:01:15] Introducing Sacha [00:04:47] Working at Shell vs. working in tech [00:10:33] Authenticity vs. adapting communication [00:16:38] How great feedback helped [00:22:19] Experiences with a disability in tech [00:29:27] Advocating for people with disabilities in work [00:34:22] Building resilience in yourself [00:38:52] Helping others become more resilient Resources mentioned Reid Hoffman - Blitzscaling Robert Greene - Mastery

Summary Embrace the uncertain, and make it your stronghold. In episode 2 of our podcast, "Ride the Waves of Uncertainty," we sit down with Drew Howell, Chief Customer Officer at CXY. Drew shares his rich experiences and insights from building his own company after univeristy to navigating the FinTech industry from 2010 to 2022. You'll gain actionable insights into enhancing both customer and employee experience, understand the different forms leadership can take, and learn the lessons Drew picked up along his journey. A highlight of our chat revolves around the importance of mentorship in leadership. So, buckle up, get comfortable, and let's ride the waves of uncertainty together. Links to the Guest LinkedIn - Drew Howell CXY - Customer Experience Consultancy Resources Mentioned Mervyn King: Radical Uncertainty: Decision-Making for an Unknowable Future Sam Conniff Allende: Be More Pirate: Or How to Take On the World and Win Timestamps [00:00:17] Introducing Drew [00:02:52] The different shapes of leaders [00:05:30] Lessons from Drew's first business [00:10:12] Lessons for First Time Leaders [00:12:37] Understand your customers and your colleagues [00:14:30] Whole company thinking [00:16:06] The application gap & applying strategy in practice [00:17:45] Bridging the gap between leadership & team members [00:21:40] How Fintech changed from 2010-2022

Summary Welcome to this week's episode, featuring Signe Julie Valeur Bodholdt - the founder and CEO of Valeur Growth, also Ex-Lunar and Virgin. In this episode, we delve into the nitty-gritty of what happens post-funding in tech startups. As leaders in the tech world, once the funding has been secured, there's a new set of expectations and challenges to grapple with. Signe, drawing from her rich experience as a CEO, CMO, CCO and an advisor, gives us a deep dive into this intriguing realm. This is a must-listen episode for all leaders in the tech world, especially CMOs. We talk about how parenting has impacted Signe's leadership style and get her insights on handling the stress that is often associated with tech leadership. From addressing unrealistic expectations to effectively balancing tasks, Signe generously shares her experiences and advice. Buckle up, listeners, for an episode full of value and inspiration. Let's get started! Links to the Guest LinkedIn - Signe Julie Valeur Bodholdt Valeur Growth Resources Mentioned Rick Rubin, The Creative Act Steven Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Timestamps [00:01:22] - [00:01:27] Getting to know Signe [00:03:51] Leadership in big and small companies [00:05:06] Hypergrowth at Lunar [00:06:36] How to handle unrealistic expectations [00:10:28] The challenges of being a CMO [00:15:34] Advice for first time CMOs [00:18:05] Speak other leaders' languages [00:20:40] How having a family can help you become a better leader [00:24:50] How to balance tasks [00:26:48] How to deal with stress as a leader

Summary Welcome to our first episode titled "Disappoint others? Or disappoint yourself." We chat with Carlos Caro, VP of Partnerships at Caribou. In this conversation, Carlos discusses the crucial role disappointment plays in leadership. With his unique background as a former founder and poker player, he brings a fresh perspective on how to deal with challenges in business and life. In this episode, Carlos shares a personal story of being understaffed and overworked. He opens up about the mistakes he made during this time, and how he found new ways to work smarter, not harder. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into this insightful conversation with Carlos. Links to the Guest Carlos Caro's LinkedIn Carlos Caro's Medium Blog Resources Mentioned Thinking In Bets by Annie Duke The One Thing by Garry Keller Timestamps [00:01:22] Getting to know Carlos [00:02:55] Leadership in big and small companies [00:06:27] The strengths of big companies [00:09:23] What startups do best [00:10:44] Overcoming leadership overwhelm [00:14:53] Dealing with disappointment in leadership [00:20:57] Advice for new leaders [00:24:37] Lessons from the poker table [00:31:03] Carlos' reading recommendations