Allan Thygesen, CEO of DocuSign, previously led a $100 billion + business within Google. Topics include rising within a career, key characteristics of a great leader, driving innovation, building winning organizational cultures, the power of networks and leading globally, and keys to personal and professional success.
The importance of effective communication as the most crucial skill for a leader.
Encouraging organic innovation within teams and properly resourcing innovation.
Tailoring business approaches to local markets while leading globally.
The significance of hiring individuals with demonstrated success, an open mindset, and a collaborative mindset.
Deep dives
Alan's Background and Early Career
Alan Teagasen, the CEO of DocuSign, grew up in Denmark and studied econ at the University of Copenhagen before moving to the U.S. to attend Stanford Business School. His global perspective on business was shaped by his early experiences working for a medical manufacturer that exported products globally and his time spent in the entrepreneurial environment of Silicon Valley.
Keys to Rising in a Career
Alan attributes his success to being open-minded, taking chances, and focusing on the long-term goals rather than getting caught up in short-term successes or failures. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and building a strong network of people who can help and support your career growth.
The Characteristics of a Great Leader
According to Alan, great leaders need to be decisive yet flexible, focused on long-term goals, effective communicators, and skilled at engaging and collaborating with others. He believes that effective communication is the most important skill for a leader and that building strong relationships and maintaining an open mindset are key to becoming a better leader.
Driving Innovation and Building Organizational Culture
Alan believes that leaders should create an environment that encourages and facilitates organic innovation, giving teams the freedom to try and fail. He also stresses the importance of resourcing innovation properly and stopping projects that are not aligned with the company's goals. When it comes to building organizational culture, Alan emphasizes the importance of providing space for innovation, setting broad parameters, and giving teams the freedom to self-direct. He also cautions against over-resourcing and emphasizes the need for urgency and a mix of patience and decisiveness in leading innovation.
Leading Globally and Building a Winning Organizational Culture
Alan acknowledges the importance of having a global mindset and expanding business internationally. He believes that while most aspects of a global business should be standardized and best practices should be implemented across different countries, it is essential to tailor some aspects to local markets and customs. He also emphasizes the need for resourcing and investing in local talent and building relationships in each market. Lastly, he emphasizes that leaders must balance patience and urgency while leading globally.
Tips for Hiring and Personal Success
When it comes to hiring, Alan looks for demonstrated success, an open mindset, perseverance, the ability to think both strategically and operationally, and a collaborative mindset. He also emphasizes the importance of checking references and gathering informed opinions from trusted sources. Lastly, Alan advises individuals to be open-minded, direct, fair, and engaged in the learning process. He highlights the need to become a master in one's domain before seeking opportunities in other areas and to not be afraid of taking on roles that provide a broader skill set, even if they require taking a step back.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alan Teagasen provides valuable insights into leadership, career growth, innovation, global business, organizational culture, and hiring. He emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness, perseverance, effective communication, and building strong relationships. He encourages leaders to foster innovation, tailor their approach to different markets, and find a balance between patience and urgency. In addition, he advises individuals to focus on building expertise before seeking new opportunities, be selective in hiring, and strive for personal growth and learning throughout their careers.
Allan Thygesen is the CEO of DocuSign, the market leader in eSignature. DocuSign has facilitated more than a billion eSignature transactions for users across more than 180 countries. Allan previously led a $100 billion + business within Google. Allan joins Adam to share his journey and his best lessons learned along the way. Allan and Adam discuss a wide range of topics: leading people and teams, leading a global business, career development, decision-making, networking, innovation, hiring, and much more.
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