The current chapter in my career.
2023 - currently
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Simon Malessa

I work best as a…

Some mix of execution and strategy. I love doing tasks and the high-level strategy conversations.
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Simon Malessa

What I'm like at work

ConfidentPatientAssertiveResourcefulFairIndependentReliableTrusting
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Simon Malessa

😬😧🥴 Recently went outside my comfort zone…

Networking. Well - with people, I'm excellent at networking machines....

The single most stressful recurring situation for me is being casually sociable at company events, I'm always super thankful for any social butterfly who supports me in navigating an event.

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Simon Malessa

My Achilles Heel is…

Accurate work - I'm usually too impatient to double-check everything!

Always feel free to point out mistakes and oversight... And if you enjoy detail work, feel free to suggest taking it away from me

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Simon Malessa

One thing that might surprise you about me…

I can code, but my code makes developers cry. Oh, and I speak German.
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Simon Malessa

A fun fact about me is…

I collect hobbies! This means I can do lots of things at like 70% quality.

I juggle, can solve a Rubiks cube, do card magic, play Drums and guitar and have, at various times, also played flute, Saxophone, didgeridoo, bass, banjo, piano and any other instrument I can get my hands on. Oh, and I know zero music theory and have never been taught music properly, so I'm terrible to jam with. I used to rock-climb, ride motor bikes, and have hiked to Everest basecamp. I spent some time learning Poi and have fire-twirled and done fire-photography. I learned to knit when I was 8, because knitting didn't make sense to me. It still doesn't, but my curiosity continues to expand my horizons. If you are passionate about something, show me - I love to learn new skills!

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Simon Malessa

When I'm stressed, you might notice me…

over-focus on outcomes, interrupt and speak much more assertively

Remind me how people are feeling, and that there may be other ways of reaching the outcomes!

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Simon Malessa

The best environment for me is:

A balance of meetings & focus time

I need the meetings to align with the team and stay up to date myself, but I need focus time to actually get things done. If I don't do anything myself, I quickly become dissatisfied, so I always have a project or two I'm actively contributing to.

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Simon Malessa

I like to get feedback when its given…

in the momentwith kindness

I always try to respond thankfully to feedback. If you're thinking of giving me feedback, go right ahead, I promise I will try my best to appreciate it!

Values cover image
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Simon Malessa

My core values

AdventureChallengeFairnessLearningService

My personal "Why" statement: To support people in gaining perspectives and confidence so that they can enjoy life as a continuous adventure.

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Simon Malessa

I learn best by…

doing itblocking time to do it

I'm terrible at learning from writing! Stepping me through a process once, then making me do it and explaining mistakes, works really really well.

How to make my day cover image
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Simon Malessa

You will make my freakin day if you…

private praise / thank you!

I'm never great at receiving praise, though I always appreciate it. I love to hear about your success even more, though! Tell me what you achieved, it really makes my day to see people shine.

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Simon Malessa

Me when sh*t hits the fan

Simon Malessa when sh*t hits the fan
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Simon Malessa

I'm energized at work by…

getting sh*t done.building stuffsolving problemshelping others succeed
Motivations cover image
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Simon Malessa

Things that deeply motivate me…

Helping others ❤️Learning as much as I can 🤓Helping others achieve great things
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Simon Malessa

My areas for growth

Creates warm, caring relationships with teammatesMaintains effective work life balanceClearly communicates purpose and vision
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Simon Malessa

My superpowers

Prioritizes common good over self-interestMakes decisions promptly, even with uncertaintyMentors and develops teammates for their growthManages feelings of self and others during conflictStays composed throughout conflict or difficult situations
Created and led a people team in a fully agile, people first startup which was then acquired by an international corporate, company with all the challenges one would expect of this journey.
2019 - 2021
Earned my stripes as a leader in IT , Operations and HR. Made plenty of mistakes and learned many critical lessons from some of the best managers and mentors I could hope for.
2006 - 2018