In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Peter Schmied, the President of Appspace, as they discuss the challenges and strategies of leading a company during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a workforce of around 450 employees globally, Appspace operates in a fully hybrid model, allowing employees the choice to work from home or in the office. Peter emphasizes the importance of a seamless communication experience, leveraging technology to tailor information delivery based on individual preferences and usage patterns.

Peter shares insights into building a world-class company culture in a remote or hybrid work environment, highlighting the significance of community and seamless communication. He discusses the company's focus on customer-centricity, actively listening to customers, and staying ahead of market trends to drive product development. Peter's leadership approach centers on servant leadership, continuous learning, and embracing discomfort to foster personal growth.

The conversation explores leadership strategies, including hiring senior roles and managing internal talent aspirations. Peter emphasizes transparency in the hiring process, opening up internal opportunities before considering external candidates. He advocates for a culture that encourages failure as a pathway to growth and success, emphasizing the importance of attitude, aptitude, and empathy in leadership. Overall, Peter's leadership philosophy revolves around serving the team, fostering a culture of curiosity, and treating people with respect and transparency.

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

Why Appspace makes use of a hybrid model, allowing employees the choice to work from home or in the office, and the importance of providing options for a diverse, geographically dispersed workforce. (8:24)
The importance of community and seamless communication in building a world-class company culture, especially in a remote or hybrid work environment. (9:56)
Why Appspace focuses on being customer-centric, actively listening to customers and staying ahead of market trends to drive product development. (21:23)
Peter's leadership approach, centering on servant leadership, serving the team and fostering personal growth among employees. (23:26)
Appspace's transparent hiring practices, opening up internal opportunities before considering external candidates for senior roles. (24:56)
Why Peter believes embracing failure is a pathway to growth and success, the importance of taking on challenges and learning from setbacks. (28:53)
Why Peter's leadership philosophy is built on continuous learning and curiosity, as well as the importance of staying curious and learning something new every day. (28:53)
Peter's guide to path to success, including having the right attitude, aptitude, and treating people with empathy and respect. (29:51)
And much more...

Resources:

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Ep. 384 - Appspace President and CCO, Pete Schmied

Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold