Introduction to the Guest

Neda Sahebelm is an I/O Psychologist and seasoned Ops leader who’s helped multiple businesses achieve exponential outcomes. Over the last decade, she’s built and scaled high-performing teams at the likes of FOX and National Geographic EMEA through to their Disney acquisition, and EdTech unicorn, Multiverse, from pre-seed to post Series D. Neda now runs keshty, where she partners with startups as Fractional COO and Scale Advisor with a particular emphasis on minority-led tech for good.

Summary

In this episode of Tribe Talks, Neda Sahebelm shares her journey into organizational psychology, emphasizing the importance of ethical scaling and leadership in creating healthy workplace cultures. She discusses the challenges of mergers and acquisitions, the significance of diagnosing team health, and the role of communication in maintaining trust during rapid growth. Neda also highlights the future of team psychology in the context of remote work and the exciting developments in the tech for good space.

Takeaways

• Neda enjoys pottery and exploring new restaurants.

• Organizational psychology focuses on building healthy workplaces.

• Ethical scaling prioritizes sustainable growth over rapid expansion.

• Leadership plays a crucial role in team engagement and culture.

• Transparency during exits can improve team morale.

• Organizational psychology is about creating high-performing teams.

• Mergers can be challenging without clear cultural compatibility.

• Data-driven approaches help diagnose team health.

• Effective communication fosters trust in remote teams.

• Tech for Good is becoming more impactful and profitable.

Introduction to the Guest

Luca Dellanna is a distinguished management advisor and author of over ten books, recognized for his expertise at the intersection of risk management, operational know-how, and behavioral psychology. Luca began his career at DuPont's consulting unit in Frankfurt, focusing on managerial excellence across Europe. In 2015, he returned to Turin, Italy, to establish a private consulting practice that serves clients globally, including in Italy, France, the United States, India, and Singapore. Luca's work has been featured at prominent conferences and podcasts like Nudgestock and EconTalk, and he is followed by over 25,000 readers worldwide. Known for his practical approach, Luca emphasizes not only what the right actions are but also how to execute them effectively.

Summary

In this conversation, Luca Dellanna discusses how organizations can become more anti-fragile by focusing on both strategic considerations and the importance of individual interactions within the company. He emphasizes that while survival is crucial, the reactions to employee concerns play a significant role in fostering a resilient company culture.

Takeaways

• Organizations must ensure they can survive economic downturns.

• Cash reserves are essential for enduring tough times.

• Strategic considerations are just the table stakes.

• The individual manager's role is crucial in resilience.

• Encouraging open communication is vital for anti-fragility.

• Reactions to employee concerns shape company culture.

• A fragile company discourages problem reporting.

• Resilience is built through positive interactions.

• Anti-fragility requires a proactive approach to management.

• Creating a safe space for questions enhances resilience.

Introduction to the Guest

Bre McQuade is the Director of Operations and Experience at Operations Nation, known for hosting the largest operations conference in Europe. They are an international community-powered knowledge hub for operations leaders. She is passionate about placing people and systems at the heart of organizational growth. Bre specializes in facilitating connections and learning among teams, championing design thinking, and leading transformative courses for aspiring and first-time COOs across an international community. Her approach combines strategic and empathetic elements, focusing on authenticity, vulnerability, and genuine engagement, with a deep understanding of human behavior across cultures.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Bre McQuade shares her insights on the nuances of company culture versus team culture, the common misconceptions leaders have when building effective teams, and the importance of communication in preventing breakdowns. She emphasizes the need for emotional authenticity in leadership while maintaining structure, and discusses the challenges of fostering psychological safety in diverse teams. Bre also highlights the balance between empathy and strategy in decision-making, and the significance of creating an environment where individuals feel safe to be vulnerable and accountable.

Takeaways

• Company culture and team culture are deeply interlinked.

• Effective teams require a multitude of elements, not just grand gestures.

• Communication breakdowns often stem from a lack of awareness of team needs.

• Psychological safety is crucial for team performance and accountability.

• Vulnerability in leadership invites others to connect authentically.

• Cultural differences can impact how individuals engage in vulnerability.

• Empathy and strategy should coexist in decision-making processes.

• Intentionality in meetings fosters connection and accountability.

• Regular check-ins can enhance team dynamics and trust.

• Creating a safe space for conflict can improve psychological safety.