In early 2020, I was handed a new challenge: build a team from scratch to manage critical financial functions at my first fintech job, Wise. I faced three major hurdles: I had never led a team directly, we were a team of two with a huge goal, and a global pandemic was forcing us to learn how to lead remotely.
Looking back, that experience taught me some of the most valuable lessons of my career. I want to share my approach to building a team from nothing, especially in times of great uncertainty.
Lead with Heart, Not Just a Title
My first lesson was to remain human. Leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about people. I learned that putting your heart into it creates passion and builds trust. That means checking in on the team, asking how they’re really feeling, and creating an environment where it’s safe to be vulnerable. Making mistakes was not only allowed—it was appreciated, because it gave us a chance to learn and improve.
The Power of Structure and Data
Structure doesn’t kill creativity; it frees it. When a team isn’t wasting energy figuring out how to work together, they can focus on solving problems. This is a core part of my Strategic Project & Product Management approach. We implemented a few key strategies:
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Key Ceremonies: We introduced short, topic-driven meetings with clear agendas to plan, deliver, and reflect. This gave everyone a space to align and highlight roadblocks.
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Transparent Dashboards: We used data to create a shared source of truth. This allowed us to move fast and make decisions with confidence, giving everyone a clear view of our progress.
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Retrospectives, Not Blame: We ran retros to learn from our mistakes, not to assign blame. This reinforced a culture of continuous improvement and trust.
The Lessons I Carry with Me
My leadership style is all about leading by example, and it’s something I still carry with me today. Culture isn’t something you design and forget; it’s what you do every day. It’s the tone you set, the space you hold for your team, and the way you recognize their achievements.
I’m proud to say that my time as a lead has helped create two new leads and at least nine highly motivated “domain superstars.” Ultimately, leading through uncertainty doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means building an environment where your team can navigate the unknown together.
Ready to Build Your Own Dream Team?
Whether you’re looking to lead a new team or simply want to bring more structure and clarity to your projects, I’m here to help. I’d love to chat about your unique challenges and how we can apply a proven approach to build a high-performing team and culture. Let’s connect.