30: The New York Times’ David Yee: From Startup Founder to Large Media Company VP of Engineering
Oct 24, 2023
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David Yee, VP of Engineering at The New York Times, discusses his journey from startup founder to large media company leader. Topics include the tension between personal leadership style and company culture, the transition from startups to larger organizations, and the differences between leading in startups and enterprise companies.
Understanding and navigating organizational culture is crucial for effective leadership.
Leaders should approach new roles with curiosity, challenging assumptions and embracing personal growth.
Deep dives
Transitioning from Startup to Enterprise Leadership
The podcast episode features an interview with David Yi, VP of Engineering at the New York Times, who shares his journey and insights on transitioning from startup executive to leader in a large enterprise. He emphasizes the importance of considering the phase of business when taking on a leadership role and discusses the differences between leading in a startup versus a growth stage company or enterprise. The episode explores topics such as the transition from startup founder to enterprise leader, being an experienced leader in a new organization, and the importance of doing the right thing as a leader.
Navigating Organizational Culture
David highlights the importance of understanding and navigating organizational culture when joining a new company. He shares his experiences joining both Vox Media and the New York Times, emphasizing the need to adapt to the existing culture while also considering how to influence it. David discusses the challenges of aligning different cultures and the impact of organizational history on decision-making. He reflects on understanding the unwritten rules and etiquette within an organization as key to effectively leading and bringing about change.
Evolving Leadership Philosophy
Throughout his career, David has developed his leadership philosophy by prioritizing autonomy, curiosity, and inquiry. He highlights the necessity of understanding that leadership may vary based on the size, complexity, and context of organizations. David recognizes the importance of being aware of his own leadership style and the need to reconcile it with the expectations and values of the company. He emphasizes the value of collaboration, respecting diverse perspectives, and embracing different leadership approaches in driving team and organizational success.
Adapting to Change and Context
David shares his experiences adapting to change and navigating different organizational contexts. He highlights the importance of asking why, seeking to understand the hidden threads and unwritten rules that shape decision-making and relationships within an organization. David encourages leaders to approach new roles with curiosity and a willingness to challenge assumptions and existing ways of doing things. He advises focusing on understanding the culture and etiquette of the organization, while also recognizing the possibility of personal growth and transformation in the process.
When you think ‘pinnacle of journalism’, you think New York Times.
He’s been a startup Founder and large enterprise leader, embarking on a notable transition between the two and embracing the modernized culture of a centuries-old organization.
We catch up with David as he talks about the tension between the leader you want to be vs the company’s style, what it means to do the right thing, and how you stick the landing between startup and super-sized business.
This episode covers:
How David carved his path to the NYT through several influential roles
The gray area between the leader you want to be and the leader your company needs
Transitioning between startups and larger corporations
Why ‘why’ is the most important word for budding leaders