Veronica Shelton, co-founder of Oak Theory, a successful design studio, shares her inspiring journey from freelancer to multi-million-dollar entrepreneur. She discusses the vital role of delegation and smart hiring to scale operations while preserving company culture. The conversation highlights the significance of community support in leveraging technology and AI, and addresses the emotional challenges of transitioning to advisory roles in leadership. Veronica also emphasizes investment in future leaders and the importance of adaptability, especially for women in tech.
Diverse perspectives in design at Oak Theory enhance creativity and innovation, leading to impactful solutions that resonate with clients.
The commitment to effective delegation and strategic hiring fosters a dynamic team environment, crucial for maintaining company culture during growth.
Deep dives
Embracing Diversity in Design
The importance of diverse perspectives in design is highlighted as a core value of the business, Oak Theory. The founders, Veronica Shelton and her partner, recognized that combining unique insights fosters creativity and innovation, leading to designs that deeply resonate with clients. This approach not only enriches the creative process but also enhances the effectiveness of their solutions in addressing various challenges. By integrating smart technology and diverse ideas, Oak Theory aims to create impactful designs that stand out in the competitive market.
The Power of Delegation and Team Dynamics
A key factor in the success of Oak Theory is the founders' commitment to delegation and creating an effective team structure. From the outset, they intentionally formed their business in a way that allowed them to avoid being overly entrenched in daily operations, thus maintaining an outside perspective. This delegation strategy has facilitated team growth and has been crucial in avoiding stagnation, especially after surpassing the million-dollar revenue mark. The emphasis on hiring individuals who are smarter and more skilled than themselves has also contributed to a dynamic team environment where collaboration and innovation thrive.
Transitioning Leadership and Maintaining Culture
As the business grows, the challenge of transitioning leadership roles becomes evident, with Veronica expressing concerns about losing connection with her team. Maintaining a strong organizational culture, which initially thrived under her direct involvement, requires a shift in focus towards instilling shared values and purpose within the team. By fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to lead and contribute to the company's mission, the founders aim to sustain the culture even as they step back from day-to-day operations. This approach not only preserves the foundational ethos of the company but also sets the stage for future growth and leadership development.
How do you scale your business without losing its culture? In this episode, Veronica Shelton, co-founder of Oak Theory, shares how she went from freelancing to building a multi-million-dollar design studio. She reveals key lessons on delegation, hiring smarter, and leading leaders—all while staying true to the company’s mission.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode