Steve "Buzz" Pearce is a design leader with 25 years of experience spanning companies like Skype, Microsoft, SkyScanner, TravelPerk, and Monday.com. Since his early days, Steve has chosen to focus on doing great work, learning from amazing people, and being challenged, rather than always seeking promotions. On the last episode of this season we chat about the progression from tools to craft to invention, the accountability ladder framework that changed how he leads, why you need to play the victim less and take ownership more, and his leadership style of leading like a shepherd—guiding people to greener pastures whilst protecting and nurturing the team.
Timestamps:
- 02:16 – Steve's career arc
- 07:08 – Proving competence before getting promoted
- 11:16 – The framework: tools, craft, invention, and influence
- 20:44 – Balancing micromanagement with giving space
- 32:16 – Building people up, not crushing them
- 34:50 – Giving permission to be honest and role modelling feedback
- 39:50 – The mental flip: business, team, then yourself
- 40:26 – What to let go of when moving into leadership
- 54:44 – The accountability ladder
- 59:06 – Leading like a shepherd
- 01:00:32 – End of show questions
Connect with Steve
LinkedIn
Selected links from the episode
Leading with Questions, by Michael Marquardt
The Accountability Ladder
Hatch Conference Lisbon 2026
Design Meets Business