In a recent episode of Insights Unlocked, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mamuna Oladipo, the VP of Product at Shopify. With her extensive experience in various tech roles, Mamuna shared invaluable insights on building trust within cross-functional teams, effective networking within a company, and strategic leadership. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes and ideas discussed during the episode.

Introduction to Mamuna Oladipo

Mamuna Oladipo has worked across a wide range of companies and roles, leading teams in design, product management, engineering and research. Her diverse background gives her a unique perspective on what it takes to build successful teams and products.

Building Trust in Cross-Functional Teams

One of the main takeaways from Mamuna’s discussion is the importance of building trust gradually. She emphasizes that rushing changes can be detrimental. Instead, take the time to understand team dynamics and integrate slowly.

"Take the time to learn and understand your team, understand the dynamics. Understand how you can differentiate, just how the team has been operating. But keeping in mind that you don't want to change things too quickly, too much." - Mamuna Oladipo

It's like building anything, she said, you start with the small parts and put it together. Mamuna suggests prioritizing one-on-one meetings and being fully present during these interactions. This approach helps in establishing genuine connections and ensures that you are positively represented even when not in the room.

Effective Networking Within a Company

Mamuna stresses the value of networking within a company. The First 90 Days has influenced her approach. She shares her strategy of meeting different people and asking for further introductions to continuously expand her network. This not only helps in understanding the company culture but also in gathering valuable insights. Before you know, she said, you've learned how others onboarded successfully, things you should be mindful of, things about the team you should know and more. 

"Building a network within the company is vital. You need to have connections to understand the company culture and gather insights." - Mamuna Oladipo

It’s not enough to just build a network; maintaining these relationships is equally important. Mamuna talks about how she keeps track of her connections and periodically checks in with them to ensure ongoing engagement.

Leadership Strategies for Effective Teams

As a leader, Mamuna’s primary concern is the impact and alignment of her team with the company’s goals. She emphasizes the importance of continuous communication and staying deeply involved in team activities to prevent misalignment.

Mamuna advises leaders to be proactive in their communication efforts. Regularly meeting with team members and understanding their challenges can help in ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.

"Ensuring continuous communication and staying ahead of potential issues by being deeply involved in team activities is crucial." - Mamuna Oladipo

Advice for Leaders

Mamuna’s key advice for leaders is to truly get to know their team members. Understanding what they are going through and how they get their jobs done can significantly drive both individual and team impact.

Building trust, networking effectively, and proactive leadership are essential components of creating successful teams. Mamuna Oladipo’s insights provide a roadmap for leaders looking to enhance their team’s impact and alignment with company goals.

Episode Links:

• Mamuna on LinkedIn
• Shopify
• UXDX
• The First 90 Days