This is the next instalment of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, with Reika Phung, the Commercial Operations Leader at Domain Australia. Reika’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, and I can’t wait for you to dive into the insights she shared. Reika was recommended as a leader we had to interview by her boss, a former guest on the show, John Foong. What a recommendation that turned out to be, we need more leaders like Reika for our workplaces to be truly great places to work. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect:
Early Leadership Lessons**:
Reika Phung’s first taste of leadership came from her high school netball team. She learned the hard way about the importance of cohesion and direction, which shaped her future leadership style.
Transparency and Authenticity**:
Reika Phung prides herself on being transparent with her team. She often engages them by asking what they think her responses will be, fostering open communication and trust.
Career Milestones**:
Bain & Company: Reika Phung’s time in management consulting taught her to tackle complex business problems and the value of teamwork.
LinkedIn: During a period of hypergrowth, she focused on sales operations and talent development, contributing significantly to the company’s success.
Talent Development**:
Reika Phung emphasises the importance of having the right people in the right roles. She believes in rigorous assessment for both hard skills and cultural fit, ensuring her team is well-equipped and motivated.
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership**:
Reika Phung highlights the importance of seeking help and fostering an environment where solutions emerge collaboratively. She credits her mentors for teaching her humility and the value of listening.
Navigating Change**:
During her transition to Ascender and its subsequent acquisition, Reika Phung learned the importance of over-communication and providing reassurance during times of uncertainty.
Joining Domain Australia**:
Drawn by the alignment with her career goals, Reika Phung shares her meticulous approach to preparing for her new role, including extensive research and networking.
Reika Phung’s Leadership Philosophy:
Understanding Team Dynamics**: Reika Phung believes in getting to know her team members personally, understanding their motivations, and adapting her management style to fit their needs.
Open Communication**: She encourages her team to discuss their career aspirations and any concerns openly, fostering a supportive and transparent environment.
Self-Awareness and Feedback**: Reika Phung stresses the importance of self-awareness in leadership and regularly seeks feedback from her team to improve her impact.
Company Culture**: A positive workplace culture, driven from the top down, is essential for employee engagement and retention. Leaders must model the values and behaviours they wish to see.
Personal Anecdotes:
Supporting Career Growth**: Reika Phung shares a touching story about advising a team member to take a better job opportunity, even though it meant losing a valuable team member. This illustrates her commitment to her team’s growth and well-being.
Managing Energy and Work-Life Balance**: Reika Phung is conscious of her dynamic energy and regularly checks in with her team to ensure they maintain a healthy work-life balance.
I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and entice you to listen to the full episode. Reika Phung’s insights into leadership, talent development, and navigating change are invaluable for anyone looking to grow in their career or improve their leadership skills.
Tune in to the latest episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series.
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Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback. I’d love to hear what you think about Reika’s journey and the lessons she has shared!