Building High-Performance Teams at Scale | Libby Penn | People Talks

In the latest episode of People Talks, CEO Giovanni Luperti sits down with Libby Penn, former COO at Improbable, to discuss the complexities of scaling teams, fostering high-performing cultures, and navigating the unique challenges of operating in the defense tech industry. Drawing from her experience growing teams from 40 to 400, Libby shares invaluable lessons for leaders looking to scale their organizations effectively.

• Building High-Performing Teams in Ambiguous Environments
  Libby highlights the critical importance of building high-performing teams, particularly in fast-paced, high-growth environments. She explores how embracing ambiguity and fostering adaptability within teams is essential to driving success in startups and scale-ups. Libby also shares her approach to recruiting talent that thrives in uncertain, dynamic contexts and how to ensure alignment across teams.
• Retaining Talent Density While Scaling
  One of the toughest challenges during periods of rapid growth is maintaining talent density. Libby explains the importance of setting high hiring standards and ensuring that new hires align with the company’s values and culture. She discusses strategies for onboarding, knowledge transfer, and upskilling to support sustainable growth without compromising on quality.
• Aligning Culture with Organizational Growth
  As companies scale, maintaining a cohesive and values-driven culture becomes increasingly challenging. Libby emphasizes the importance of embedding a strong cultural foundation early on and shares how organizations can sustain that culture as they grow. She reflects on the balance between shareholder expectations and fostering an environment where employees feel valued and supported.
• Navigating the Complexities of Defense Tech
  Libby offers a behind-the-scenes look at scaling a business in the defense industry, a sector with unique challenges, including regulatory requirements, classified information handling, and navigating political sensitivities. She discusses how Improbable built a secure-first culture while fostering innovation and attracting top talent to work on mission-critical projects.
• Lessons for Leaders: Decision-Making and Conflict Resolution
  The conversation also touches on leadership dynamics, including effective decision-making and managing conflict within leadership teams. Libby shares her perspective on building trust among leaders, encouraging healthy debates, and creating alignment even in the face of differing opinions.
• Looking Ahead: Building Resilient Organizations
  Reflecting on her journey, Libby underscores the need for resilience and adaptability in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. Whether scaling startups or navigating global challenges, her insights provide a valuable playbook for leaders aiming to build high-performing, sustainable organizations.

If you enjoyed the discussion, follow us on Apple Podcast, Spotify and YouTube for the upcoming episodes.

Elevate your people operations today. Book a demo to learn more.