The Value of Communication - Craig Walker - Not Another CEO Podcast - Episode #15

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Oct 29, 2024

Craig Walker shares insights from his 20+ year journey in business communications, focusing on the importance of effective communication and transparency in leadership. He discusses the significance of overcommunication and building strong team dynamics, especially in a global context. Reflecting on his transition from Google to entrepreneurship, he emphasizes selecting the right investors for long-term growth. Craig also highlights the need for joy in B2B tools and shares strategies for successful hiring during a startup’s early stages.

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ADVICE

Over-Communicate for Transparency

Over-communicate with your teams, especially in a distributed work environment.
Explain everything you're doing and be transparent, even when sharing negative news.

ADVICE

Create User Manuals

Have every new hire create a "user manual" outlining their work style, background, and personal values.
This helps humanize colleagues and fosters understanding within the team.

ADVICE

Visit Offices Regularly

As a founder, prioritize visiting global offices in person.
Make employees feel valued, appreciated, and part of something bigger than themselves.

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This episode features Craig Walker, the Founder and CEO of Dialpad, discussing his 20+ year journey leading the business communications space. Craig has started 3 companies, 2 of which became Yahoo Voice and Google Voice, and shares insights from his experience building communications giants.

He emphasizes the value in communication, transparency, and flexible leadership. Craig reflects on strategically selecting investors and how product acquisitions led to rapid growth for Dialpad. He also shares his thoughts on maintaining a balance between work, family, and personal growth, underscoring the critical role of adaptability and team dynamics in achieving success.

Takeaways:

Jump Right In: Craig emphasizes the importance of diving into challenges directly, sharing his journey of building, getting acquired, and going on his own to continue building within the business communications industry.
Ups and Downs of Success: Any successful company has periods of growth and decline when you look under a microscope. Try to focus on the bigger picture when things get difficult.
Communicate Often: Craig emphasizes the significance of overcommunication for transparency and maintaining a strong company culture. It is important to keep everyone in the organization up to date on information, even if it isn’t positive.
Focus on Direction, Not Speed: Strategic vision is crucial, and businesses need to select the right investors who share the long-term growth perspective. This ensures a long-term and beneficial partnership as you grow.
Make it Delightful: Consumers should not have to trudge through a dull experience. Ensuring there are opportunities for delight helps keep user experiences positive and increases retention.

Quote of the Show:

“ Just because it's a business B2B service, it can't have moments of delight? Like that's crazy. Of course it can.” - Craig Walker

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwalker123/
Twitter: https://x.com/cwalker123
Website: https://www.dialpad.com/

Ways to Tune In:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7c6328f0-9b42-41db-8fe2-d263b4fbb261
Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast

#NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #Dialpad