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From Startups to Enterprises: Leadership Lessons from a Career in Tech
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In this episode, Jessica Lin shares the lessons she’s learned leading teams in startups, scale-ups, global tech firms, and large enterprises. With insights drawn from industries as varied as aviation, cloud computing, fintech, and retail banking, Jessica reflects on career pivots, resilience, and the power of mentorship.
1. Leadership through change and growth
[02:47] Every company stage presents unique leadership challenges: ambiguity in startups, scaling systems in growth-stage companies, and navigating complexity in enterprises.
[03:55] In early-stage startups, leaders often wear multiple hats and thrive on creativity and adaptability.
[05:19] In growth-stage and enterprise organisations, building scalable systems, stakeholder alignment, and managing complexity become key.
2. Career pivots and resilience
[10:45] Jessica shares how curiosity, personal values, and a growth mindset have guided her career transitions across industries.
[12:16] Career pivots require both unlearning and developing new capabilities to succeed in unfamiliar environments.
[13:28] Resilience comes from embracing discomfort, learning from setbacks, and staying open to new opportunities.
3, The role of mentorship and sponsorship
[16:12] Mentorship plays a critical role in career development, whether formal or informal.
[17:58] Sponsors advocate for your career growth and can open doors to new opportunities.
[19:23] Jessica recommends building a "personal board of directors" to help navigate career decisions.
4. Developing your leadership style
[21:06] Self-awareness is key to effective leadership—understanding your values, strengths, and areas for growth.
[22:30] Great leaders create environments where teams feel safe to experiment, fail, and grow.
[24:12] Leadership is not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions and enabling others.
5. Balancing work, family, and personal growth
[28:19] Jessica discusses navigating motherhood while growing her leadership career.
[29:32] Boundaries, support systems, and self-compassion are crucial to managing competing priorities.
[31:09] Personal growth often comes from letting go of perfectionism and embracing the realities of work-life integration.
Where to find Jessica Lin
- LinkedIn: Jessica Lin
9 episodes
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