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Writer's pictureLayla Foord

From Data Entry to COO - How My Journey Shapes My Leadership Style and Growth Strategies

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, every leader's journey is unique, shaped by experiences that forge character and define perspectives. My own journey, from the early days as a data entry clerk to assuming the role of a Chief Operating Officer (COO), is a testament to the transformative power of diverse experiences, relentless determination, and unwavering commitment to growth.


Leaving school early, I embarked on a path that defied convention, embracing a trajectory of continuous learning and progress. With each step, I ventured into roles that spanned the entire spectrum of business operations, contributing to my holistic understanding of the intricate workings of organizations.


Navigating the Landscape of Experience

My journey began in the era when the internet was an emerging frontier and magazines were the primary avenue for reaching professionals. As a data entry clerk, I not only learned the importance of meticulous attention to detail but also delved deep into the world of intricate DOS programming. This experience of managing the Profit and Loss (P&L) of a magazine down to the last penny, factoring in nuances like color in printing and magazine weight impacting postage costs, instilled a profound appreciation for the interplay between seemingly small details and significant financial outcomes.

Transitioning to becoming a self-taught Lotus Notes programmer was another pivotal chapter. This role aimed to revolutionise internal communication by creating an intranet—an innovation that laid the foundation for transforming how businesses collaborate.

My journey further led me to craft marketing copy under the guidance of a renowned copywriter, honing skills that would later influence my ability to communicate strategies and visions effectively. Additionally, I pioneered the development, research, testing, and launch of a sophisticated tool capable of analysing millions of advertising data points. This venture aimed to empower agencies with data-driven insights, augmenting their strategic decision-making capabilities.


An Evolved Leadership Perspective

Through these diverse roles, and many more, I've gathered insights that transcended the confines of technical tasks, equipping me with a holistic understanding of business dynamics. This vantage point instilled in me the conviction that effective leadership is not just about direction—it's about inspiration and empowerment. Every role I undertook underscored the importance of fostering a culture where teams are encouraged to reach extraordinary heights.

The journey also kindled a profound humility, an insatiable appetite for growth, and an enduring commitment to learning. Each role taught me to value the contributions of every individual within an organisation, recognising that their collective efforts drive progress. This realisation fuels my role as a leader, creating an environment that nurtures growth through customised feedback, purposeful challenges, and unwavering support.


Continued Learning and Global Leadership

As my journey continued, I embarked on a relentless pursuit of knowledge, undertaking an Executive MBA and AIBM foundations course, while also engaging in diverse leadership training and coaching endeavours. This collective wisdom positioned me to lead teams spanning diverse disciplines across the world. From people & culture to customer experience, engineering, product management, design, marketing, and data science, I've guided teams in scale-ups, enterprise ventures, and founder-led startups.

Amidst a backdrop of change and uncertainty, my leadership stands as an anchor—characterised by stability, integrity, and the ability to harness the wealth of experiences into impactful strategies. Every challenge I've encountered has deepened my resolve to adapt, evolve, and drive transformation.



Transformative Leadership

I'd love to explore the boundless possibilities of sustainable growth hidden within your business today. Whether you seek a visionary leader, a transformative consultant, or

a catalyst for change, my journey is a testament to the transformative power of experiences that shape who we are and what we can achieve and the people you already have.


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