Staying Close to the Frontline
Current CEO at Push Doctor and Former International Operations Director at Just Eat
inpractise.com/articles/young-leaders-close
Why is this interview interesting?
- Why it's important to spend time on the frontline as a CEO
- How to stay close to customers and employees
Wais Shaifta
Current CEO at Push Doctor and Former International Operations Director at Just Eat
Interview Transcript
Anything else you would advise to young leaders today?
I think, more than anything, not being too distant from your brand, your product and your people. I have always spent time in call centers, sales teams, the product team, engineering. It’s very important for me to be engaged with the team. Whether you set up weekly meetings, monthly meetings, whatever it is, it’s very important.
It’s very important to stay in the front line with your supply. Even today, I go out with the sales team when they’re signing up a potential NHS partnership to see how they do it and hear what’s going on in the market. I spend some time in a call center, listening to what our consumers are saying. Reading Trust Pilot feedback, reading Glassdoor feedback, reading NPS, reading app reviews and so on.
I think the big thing for me is, one, as a leader of an organization, don’t get too distant from your team and don’t get too distant from your customers, supply or consumers. This is going to be quite philosophical, but life is too short. When you’re sitting there and you’re a leader in an organization, don’t worry. You’re in that position for a reason. Just be sure of yourself. If you’ve got confidence and are sure of yourself, it breeds on other people. Unfortunately, the moment people see some vulnerability or some panic or concern, they will take advantage of that.
Particularly with young leaders, because young leaders see that. There have been millions of times, and I still am today, the youngest individual in most rooms, it is fine. You’re the CEO or the leader for a reason. Remember that. Don’t forget that. You are great; you are cool. Continue that and have that confidence and don’t let anyone bring you down. Life is too short for that.
Copyright Notice
This document may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means including resale of any part, unauthorised distribution to a third party or other electronic methods, without the prior written permission of IP 1 Ltd.
IP 1 Ltd, trading as In Practise (herein referred to as "IP") is a company registered in England and Wales and is not a registered investment advisor or broker-dealer, and is not licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice.
In Practise reserves all copyright, intellectual and other property rights in the Content. The information published in this transcript (“Content”) is for information purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for making any investment decision. Information provided by IP is to be used as an educational tool and nothing in this Content shall be construed as an offer, recommendation or solicitation regarding any financial product, service or management of investments or securities.
© 2024 IP 1 Ltd. All rights reserved.