Building the Right Team for Success
Omer Brookstein, the CEO and Co-Founder of Xyte
In the ever-evolving landscape of startups, one key factor that can make or break a company’s success is its team. On a recent episode of Tech Salescraft, Omer Brookstein, the CEO and Co-Founder of Xyte, shared his insights and experiences on building a dynamic and effective team. The conversation provided a wealth of valuable information for entrepreneurs, hiring managers, and anyone interested in the intricacies of startup growth.
Omer’s journey in the startup world has been marked by growth, lessons, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As he discussed his experiences, one of the recurring themes was the significance of finding the right people for a team. He acknowledged the mistakes they had made in the past by hiring individuals who weren’t the right fit.
Startups often face budget constraints that can lead to hiring decisions based on cost rather than quality. Omer highlighted this common pitfall and the reasons behind it. “But hiring someone that is not a good fit for the job would not get you anywhere,” he emphasised. This aligns with the sentiment that hiring cheaply can result in costly mistakes down the line.
One of the standout moments in the conversation revolved around the significance of having a shared vision and embracing diversity. Omer stressed the importance of having team members who not only understand the company’s vision but also contribute their diverse perspectives. He likened it to going out to dinner with friends: “What’s more important is that we all want to go to dinner together.”
“You need to teach me about the product. I’m not an expert on VP products. You should bring that to the table. But the other thing is that you should be one of the team and you should see the vision. If we’re going out for a beer, we want you to join and come with us, right? But once we want you to be part of a group, once we want you to join our dinner or beer, whatever it is, then by all means.”
Omer also touched on the value of open communication within a team. He encouraged having “heated conversations” when necessary, as these discussions often lead to more informed decisions. This approach requires a culture that embraces constructive criticism and values input from all team members.
When James inquired about the potential challenges posed by economic fluctuations, Omer offered a thoughtful perspective. He viewed these challenges as a part of business life, suggesting that they provide an opportunity for growth and improvement. “It makes you re-look and get better at what you do,” he noted.
Omer’s insights offer a wealth of knowledge for startups aiming to build strong, dynamic teams. Watch the full episode on YouTube, or across all major podcast streaming platforms.