Season 1 #14 - Daniel Debow, VP, Shopify, The Modern Workplace

Today’s guest is Daniel Debow, Vice President at Shopify and a seasoned entrepreneur. Daniel shares his insights on the future of the modern workplace, video communication, and the new leadership skills that are emerging as remote work becomes the norm. He talks about his entrepreneurial journey, his experience at Shopify, and why technology that enhances human connection is the key to better workplaces.

What We Cover:

• Modern Workplace Insights: Daniel breaks down what the modern workplace looks like today and where it’s heading. The future is purpose-built—tools that seamlessly integrate with how people want to communicate, including more accessible video technology and even AR/VR solutions.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has accelerated changes that were initially expected to take years. Daniel notes how "our 2030 plans have become our 2020 reality," as companies move toward more distributed work models and real estate needs shift dramatically.
• Humanizing Leadership: Daniel talks about the importance of authentic communication from leaders. He believes that video tools can break down the barriers between leaders and their teams, allowing for more spontaneous and human moments that resonate on a deeper level.

Episode Highlights:

• 3:45: "We built Ripple based on what we saw the younger generation doing. They wanted more human and less bureaucratic tools."
• 10:00: "We’ve always talked about work-life balance. Now, it's more about work-life unity—letting people integrate their humanity fully into the workspace."
• 19:00: The importance of empathy in leadership—taking time to genuinely check in on team members to ensure they feel supported.

Chapters:

• 0:00 - Introduction to Daniel Bow
• 3:00 - Shopify’s mission and Daniel’s background
• 7:00 - Vision of the modern workplace
• 12:00 - Future of work and remote communication
• 16:00 - Impact of COVID-19 on work culture and technology investments
• 20:00 - Leadership in the modern workplace: Humanizing through video
• 25:00 - Lessons learned during the pandemic

Takeaway: The workplace of the future is one that blends technology with empathy—ensuring that even as we work remotely, our interactions remain human, authentic, and productive. Daniel believes that embracing new tools and focusing on genuine connection will define successful organizations moving forward.