Exponential Leadership: Inspiring Teams and Scaling Technology with Purpose, with Nigel Mendonca from Smartsheet

DNA Of Purpose

Episode Summary: In this episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast, host Rebecca delves into a fascinating conversation with Nigel Mendonca, General Manager and Vice President for Asia Pacific at Smartsheet, a global leader in work management solutions. With over 20 years of experience in sales and general management across the technology industry, Nigel shares his insights on leading in an era where technology and human potential converge.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Human Element in Tech: Rebecca reflects on her recent experience with Smartsheet and how the company’s mission to unlock human potential is at the forefront of their technology and culture.
• Early Catalysts for Purpose: Nigel discusses the turning points in his younger years that shaped his purpose as a leader, offering a glimpse into the experiences that fuelled his passion for inspiring teams and scaling businesses.
• Mindsets for Managing Change: Drawing from his extensive career in the digital space, Nigel reveals the powerful mindsets he's cultivated—and observed in others—that are essential for thriving amidst rapid change.
• Inspiring Leadership and Business Growth: The conversation explores the attributes that Nigel believes are crucial for inspiring teams and driving successful business growth, including advice he’d give his younger self about leading with purpose.
• Insights and Smartsheet’s Mission: Nigel shares the transformative impact of his sabbatical before joining Smartsheet, discussing how this period of reflection reshaped his leadership approach and aligned him with Smartsheet’s mission.
• The Smartsheet Edge: Nigel provides an overview of Smartsheet's platform, explaining what sets it apart in helping organisations adapt and thrive in today’s dynamic environment.
• Remote Work and Organisational Flexibility: As remote work becomes a permanent fixture, Nigel discusses how Smartsheet balances flexibility and connectivity, offering insights into new ways of measuring workplace performance.
• AI and Ethical Integration: Nigel shares advice on leading the integration of AI in a way that is both ethical and enhances the customer experience, providing guidance for leaders on the brink of adopting AI.
• Asynchronous Collaboration: Nigel explains how asynchronous collaboration—one of Smartsheet's key features—maintains innovation and efficiency without the constraints of linear time.
• Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap: Addressing a major challenge in strategic transformation, Nigel discusses why 80% of strategic value is lost at the execution level and the skills or tools needed to close this gap.
• Final Wisdom: To conclude, Nigel shares what he would say if given the world’s largest billboard—one powerful message that encapsulates his leadership philosophy.

Tune in to explore:

• How to navigate the intersection of technology and human potential.
• The importance of aligning with a purpose-driven mission.
• Practical advice for leading teams in an era of rapid change and technological advancement.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamaklad/
• Learn more about Smartsheet: https://www.smartsheet.com/
• Subscribe to the DNA Of Purpose Podcast for more inspiring conversations: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dna-of-purpose/id1449459661

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