Building a Remote Team
In the latest episode of Return to People, host Kaleem Clarkson chats with Dana Lawson, CTO at Netlify, about the intricacies of managing a globally distributed team. With a background that includes leadership roles at GitHub and New Relic, Dana brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her journey into tech leadership began in an unexpected place, the US Army, where she learned the ropes of computer science. "I joined the US military in the late 90s, and the internet was really emerging and developing," Dana shares.> I joined the US military in the late 90s, and the internet was really emerging and developing. — Dana Lawson
Cross-Cultural Communication
One of the key challenges Dana discusses is the importance of cross-cultural communication within remote teams. Netlify, a company that embraces remote work, has employees in 17 countries. Dana emphasizes the significance of understanding cultural nuances, stating, "It's like making sure that stuff is understood, not just by the written form, but like what it really means."> It's like making sure that stuff is understood, not just by the written form, but like what it really means. — Dana Lawson She highlights the role of AI in bridging communication gaps, especially for team members for whom English is a second language.
Prioritizing Development
Dana believes that a focus on employee development is crucial for success in remote work environments. At Netlify, the leadership team prioritizes helping employees achieve their professional goals, whether within the company or beyond. "The only thing that matters is fulfilling the dreams of the people around you," says Dana.> The only thing that matters is fulfilling the dreams of the people around you. — Dana Lawson This commitment to development is seen as a way to ensure that employees are prepared for future opportunities.
Embracing Remote Work Challenges
Despite the challenges, Dana is optimistic about the future of remote work. She advises leaders to lean into these challenges rather than shy away from them. "We try to make sure that stuff is understood," she says, highlighting the importance of empathy and clear communication. For Dana, the success of a remote team hinges on the ability to collaborate effectively across time zones and cultural differences.
