Favorite Parts of Being a VP Operations at RWS Group
Darrin, RWS Group's VP of Operations, finds the most fulfilling aspects of the role to be "working with good people" and fostering their growth; this is a key motivator, as is seeing the team's success and exploring "growth opportunities, trying new things". The collaborative environment and mentorship opportunities, along with witnessing the team's collective achievements, are central to Darrin's continued engagement and career satisfaction.
Leadership, Mentorship, Teamwork, Growth, Problem-Solving
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Darrin Lee
VP Operations
RWS Group
Arizona State University
n/a
Humanities, Political Science, American Studies
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Working with good people and collaborating effectively is key to Darrin's motivation and enjoyment in his role.
2. Mentoring and developing others, both direct and indirect reports, is a significant aspect of his job satisfaction.
3. Exploring growth opportunities and witnessing team success in achieving goals are important motivators for him.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role as VP of Operations?
There are two things I want to mention, although one is cliché, it's absolutely true: I enjoy working with people. I've been part of my organization, or a variation of it, for a long time. What has kept me motivated is that I've always been able to work with good people.
Whether we've been acquired or acquired someone else, I've always had new teams report to me. I've been blessed with good leaders within those teams and good people within them. There has always been excellent collaboration, and people have blended together and worked really well.
I try to mimic this myself by being a good person and hoping others say the same about me. It's a bit of give and take, but working with people is a key element.
The second part of that is seeing people grow. Being a mentor to folks and helping develop people, whether they are my direct reports or somewhere else in the organization, is important. I've had people several connections away reach out or cross paths with me for various reasons, and we've made a connection.
I sometimes circle back with those people, and we have multiple conversations. It's good because I see they are open to the advice I can give them. It also gives me perspective hearing what they have to say, as perceptions of what's going on differ from everyone's viewpoint.
We both get something valuable out of it, and it continues to motivate me as the team grows. The business's success is really dependent on the team's success. That's a big part of what motivates me.
The other part is seeing what we can achieve as the business grows: growth opportunities and trying new things. I like all of that. Seeing the team work together for a common goal is really motivational for me.