How to navigate international challenges. In this Short Talk episode Judith Germain speaks to Charlotte Gregson about how to navigate international challenges as a startup. Charlotte emphasises the importance of transparent and empathetic leadership, drawing from her own personal experiences.
She discusses how she has tried to create an environment where her team feels comfortable raising issues and providing feedback, and how she works to support them through personal challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Charlotte shared her unconventional career path from scientific research to management consulting to founding/growing an international talent marketplace startup
- Building and developing a diverse, international team has been very rewarding for her
- Transparency, empathy and authenticity are key to leading across cultures
- As one of the few female leaders, she has faced perceptions of being “too challenging” but remains passionate about improving the business
Topics
Background and Career Path
- Unconventional career path – scientific research, management consulting, then startup world
- Opportunity to found UK office and build team culture at Comatch (acquired by Molt in 2022)
- Rewarding to grow the team and see individuals develop over 5-6 years
Leading an International Team
- Navigating UK team as part of larger European business headquartered in Berlin/Paris
- Diversity of thought from international team is valuable
- Importance of clear communication across cultures and preferences
- Understanding local nuances and what works in each market
- Having local talent on the ground in each country
Transparency and Empathy
- Being transparent, even during challenges like COVID, builds trust
- Understanding personal situations and supporting flexibility
- Not being afraid to make tough decisions when needed
Being a Female Leader
- Only female leader in UK leadership currently
- Perceptions of being “too challenging” when asking questions
- Has grown a “thick skin” but remains passionate about improving the business
In this conversation Charlotte acknowledges the gender imbalance in her industry and her role as the only female UK leader in her organisation. She discusses the challenges she has faced, such as being heard in meetings, and the perceptions that can come with being a female leader. However, she remains passionate about her work and committed to speaking up and driving positive change.
The overarching message of this episode is about the power of transparent, empathetic leadership in driving success, even in complex, international business environments.
Charlotte Gregson is the UK County Head at Malt, an end-to-end talent marketplace that allows companies across the UK and Europe to source and manage freelance talent.
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Charlotte Gregson can be found on LinkedIn here. Her website can be found here.
You can listen to Episode 440 on any of the popular podcast platforms or apps (including Spotify, and Audible). If you prefer to listen to your browser you can do that below. Enjoy!