Keys to Effective Team Management: Insights from Leonardo Angeloro
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Testing Candidates
When hiring, it's essential to evaluate all candidates thoroughly. Engaging them in small simulations or challenges can quickly reveal their true skills and potential. While candidates often express confidence in their abilities, an important principle for fostering a high-performing team is to prioritize demonstration over mere claims.
In our exploration of effective team management strategies, I had the privilege of speaking with Leonardo Angeloro, the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Vexels. His innovative approach, blending technology and creativity, has propelled Vexels to the forefront of the industry, significantly enhancing customer experiences across over 150 regions globally. Recently, Leonardo and his team developed three tools: a t-shirt maker, a mock-up generator, and a logo creator, which contributed to a remarkable 120% increase in active subscribers from 2020 to 2021. His commitment to both individual and team development is evident, as he actively participates in workshops and provides guidance to his team, ensuring exceptional outcomes. Outside of work, Leonardo, a passionate musician, has been part of the band "Angeloro Bros" since 2018, further showcasing his vibrant creativity.
Thank you for joining us, Leonardo! Could you share your journey with us?
I've always been inclined towards creativity and have explored various fields. My path led me to leave my economics studies to pursue communication and copywriting. I also delved into theater, photography, contemporary dance, and even puppeteering. Music is another passion of mine, and just last May, my brother and I released our third album as the Angeloro Bros.
Since a young age, I have been involved in performing, creating music videos, and playing in bands, all while maintaining a business perspective on my passions. At 25, my brother lent me $300, which enabled me to leave my copywriting job to pursue design and develop the first version of Vexels.
Section 1.1: Memorable Experiences
Can you share a particularly memorable experience from your career?
In 2011, I participated in a competition in Montevideo, Uruguay, called MVD Valley, where we presented our startup. The night before, I had not slept at all due to my best friend's birthday celebrations. Nevertheless, I attended the competition, fueled by coffee, and delivered a great pitch. Remarkably, we won that day, met Matias Colotuzzo, the future Founder and CEO of Vexels, and were encouraged to explore funding opportunities with a national government agency supporting innovative tech projects.
Subsection 1.1.1: Learning from Mistakes
What’s a funny mistake you made early in your career, and what did you learn?
Initially, we launched several free vector sites on VectorOpenStock but struggled to monetize them. I had posted motivational quotes prominently, but they yielded no income. A friend suggested replacing those quotes with ads, and after implementing that change, we quickly began to see financial results. This experience taught me the valuable lesson that success often requires balancing idealism with pragmatism; real transformation takes time and effort.
Section 1.2: Retaining Top Talent
In your view, what’s the best strategy for retaining talent today?
At Vexels, we prioritize cultivating a positive company culture and fostering strong workplace relationships. From the start, we aimed to create an environment that we would enjoy working in. We've implemented several workplace practices that boost employee morale, such as a six-hour workday for focused productivity, quarterly company-wide meetings, and one-on-one check-ins. We also celebrate achievements with social events and promote honesty and transparency to ensure everyone feels heard and valued.
Chapter 2: Synchronizing Large Teams
How do you ensure that large teams work together effectively?
Our operations department plays a crucial role as the backbone of our organization. They coordinate meetings across various teams to discuss improvements and successes, significantly enhancing collaboration through effective communication. Utilizing OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and conducting regular reviews are essential components of our operational strategy.
Here, we delve into the core of our discussion. Based on your experiences, what are the five essential strategies for managing a team effectively?
- Thorough Candidate Evaluation: Implement practical challenges during the hiring process to reveal candidates' true abilities. Remember, the mantra is "show, don’t tell."
- Establish Robust Frameworks: While motivation and dialogue are important, having a solid framework in place is vital for long-term success. We maintain comprehensive guidelines on our internal wiki to set clear expectations for new hires.
- Embrace Rituals: Regular group meetings foster accountability, motivation, and a sense of belonging. We hold quarterly meetings where we offer a big breakfast and engage in team-building activities, even adapting to hybrid formats during the pandemic.
- Encourage Open Communication: Schedule quarterly one-on-one meetings for team members with their leaders and HR. This transparency helps address motivational challenges and ensures alignment within the team.
- Develop a Strong HR Department: An effective HR team that collaborates closely with operations is vital for maintaining a thriving work environment.
Conclusion: Building a Thriving Work Culture
What advice would you offer to other CEOs or founders to help their employees thrive?
Foster a strong workplace culture. A sense of belonging is crucial for individuals, and creating a community-focused environment is essential. For instance, when our team was only eight people, we humorously started a tradition of assigning each member an animal graphic representing their personality. Now, even as our team has grown to over 100, we maintain this tradition, providing each member a unique identity and fostering camaraderie.
If you could inspire a movement for positive change, what would it be?
I would advocate for personal development as the foundation for cultivating a society of capable, compassionate individuals. Each person has a role in building sustainable organizations that prioritize empathy and human connection.
Finally, do you have a favorite life lesson quote you could share?
"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst." As an optimist, I strive to balance my idealistic outlook with the realities around me. Being prepared for various scenarios and maintaining confidence in my decisions equips me for any challenge that may arise.
For those wishing to follow your work, where can they find you online?
You can connect with me on LinkedIn as Leonardo Angeloro. Thank you for sharing your insights, and I wish you continued success!