Rachana Kumar Leading Through Success

1 article/video left!

log in or sign up to unlock 3 more articles/videos this month and explore our expert resources.

Automatic Summary

The Incredible Intersection of Technology, Social Impact, and Successful Teams

Today, we have the privilege of having Roshana, the President of Engineering at Etsy, share her insights about the intersection of technology, social impact, and team success. She shares her experiences leading during uncertain times using two key tools: resilience and effective communication.

Introduction

Roshana's background spans numerous roles in the tech industry, addressing many changes, from the financial crisis of 2008/2009 to leading Etsy through an IPO and establishing it as a successful publicly traded company.

Despite her broad experience, Roshana admits that nothing could have prepared her generation for the current global crisis due to the pandemic. There are no playbooks for leading companies, both new and established, through such times.

She offers some key observations, gleaned from her several years in tech and recent experiences. These, she believes, can be useful whether you're a leader or being led.

Key Resilience Tools for Leading through Change

Roshana identifies two key tools for leading through massive change:

  1. Resilience
  2. Effective Communication

Resilience as a Leadership Power

Resilience, she explains, can be broken down into two categories:

  1. Understanding and accepting vulnerability
  2. Practicing productive perseverance

Roshana describes vulnerability as a powerful asset rather than a hindrance to effective leadership. She believes that authentic vulnerability makes leaders relatable and realistic, encouraging teams to share their struggles with balance and managing novel challenges.

Productive perseverance, Roshana explains, is about staying goal-oriented and focused, but also being open to switching gears when necessary. This attention to focus and flexibility is crucial to leading during crises and managing limited energy levels most effectively.

The Importance of Effective Communication

Effective communication is a requirement in any role, but when in a leadership capacity during a time of crisis, it's even more essential. Roshana identifies two aspects of communication that are fundamental during a crisis:

  1. Transparency with context
  2. Acknowledgement and regular check-ins with your team members

Transparency, she explains, should be balanced with context, otherwise, it might end up causing more harm than good. It's also crucial to admit when you don't know something – pretending to know everything could do more damage to your credibility as a leader. She also explores the importance of acknowledging the current turbulent situation and maintaining regular check-ins with your team to discuss affected business operations, mental health, and more.

Embrace this Learning Opportunity

Roshana encourages everyone, leaders and aspiring leaders alike, to view this overwhelming period as a chance to learn and grow. She concludes her presentation reminding us that resilience and effective communication are not just mechanical tools but careful practices that require effort, intention, and care.

As this enlightening conversation drew to a close, Roshana invited attendees to connect with her on LinkedIn, ready to answer more questions and continue the discussion. All in all, she shared a powerful and inspiring perspective on leading with resilience, authentic communication, and empathy during a time of crisis.

Thank you, Roshana, for the insightful conversations!


Video Transcription

Read More