The last few months I’ve started a new an exciting role at Bazaarvoice, and it has been a whirlwind of learning about the people, technology, and history that have made the company great. What an incredible place – its great to be a part of taking the company to the next level. I’ve learned so much in the last few months, and the more I learn I feel the more there is to learn. What a thrill to be surrounded by innovative, brilliant people in every part of the business. In travels from San Fran to New York, it has been energizing to meet great leaders and passionate BVers in every part of the org. We are truly a strong and innovative company.
I’ve had the privilege to be part of BV IO 2014, our Conference and Hackathon this week. What’s super impressive is how the team can coalesce and organize something of this scale with no need for top down guidance. People step up and take on ownership like it was a startup. The panel of speakers assembled for day 1 included notables such as Dr. Bob Metcalfe, who unlike Al Gore, actually did help invent the internet. The day was packed with quality speakers and energy.
Today, the hackathon got into full swing and over 20 teams formed independently, taking on customer ideas and coming up with many of their own to further social commerce. You could taste the energy in the room. The XBOX tournament is about to start across the hall.
Throughout this brief time, I’ve been reminded of some important things. There’s a clear correlation of the need for Leadership in a team with their technical skill and the greater the level of skill arguably the more strong leadership is needed. It is more important to listen and ask questions than to speak. When you act, act swiftly and decisively. People will only listen to you after you have listened to them. And, I really suck at XBOX.