Linktree

As the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Product Officer at Linktree, I had the unique opportunity to lead and grow the company's technology and product landscape during a period of rapid expansion. Taking on the dual responsibility, my role was to not only manage the entire technology and product teams but also to build them from scratch into robust, agile units aligned with our ambitious product vision.

Upon joining Linktree, one of my immediate priorities was to craft a comprehensive hiring and organizational roadmap. We successfully scaled the engineering team from a mere 8 members to a powerhouse of over 70 skilled professionals. This massive growth required careful planning and execution of hiring strategies and designing an organizational structure conducive to both innovation and efficiency.

In parallel, I spearheaded the establishment of the Product Management team. From creating product strategy guidelines to recruiting the first product managers, I ensured we had the right mix of talent and strategic direction. Establishing these foundational processes was crucial for setting the team up for long-term success.

Recognizing the need for agility in a fast-evolving tech landscape, I led a complete agile transformation across Linktree. This effort involved implementing agile practices and processes from the ground up, thus fostering a culture of collaboration, rapid iteration, and continuous improvement. This transformation was pivotal in enhancing our operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.

A significant challenge was managing the intricacies of rapid organizational growth. This evolving landscape demanded flexibility and innovation. By focusing on people leadership, talent attraction, and decision-making, I successfully aligned our technical capabilities with our overarching product vision. Additionally, I facilitated professional development among engineering leaders, ensuring our leadership pipeline met the growing demands of the organization.

The results of these efforts are visible in Linktree's competitive positioning and its enhanced market agility. Transitioning the company from an engineering-led to a product-led organization was transformative, underpinning our strategic objectives with a solid technical foundation. This role not only allowed me to refine my leadership capabilities but also inspired future career opportunities where I continue to leverage these experiences.