31: How to Build High-Performing Teams with Alvanson So of Canva

Send us a message :) What happens when a company puts people over policy—and actually means it? 🎙️ In this episode, Sha Nacino sits down with Vanson So, People & Culture Leader at Canva, to explore the deeper questions behind building high-performing teams, creating safe workplaces, and leading with kindness.Vanson shares candid insights on:✨ Why kindness is a strategic advantage in leadership and organizational culture ✨ How “people over policy” looks in real life—even in a global company like Canva ✨ Building psychological safety so employees feel seen, valued, and empowered ✨ How leaders can read subtle cues and make space for quieter voices ✨ The real reason leadership can feel lonely—and what to do about it ✨ His biggest leadership lesson: how not advocating for himself changed the way he leads ✨ Why great leaders don’t fear people who are better than themIf you’re a leader, HR practitioner, founder, or aspiring changemaker who wants to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage, this conversation will reshape the way you think about teams—and about yourself. 00:00 – Introduction 00:21 – The Leader Who Shaped Vanson 01:55 – Corporate vs. Canva Leadership 03:28 – People Over Policy 04:31 – HR Lessons from the Pandemic 06:17 – Unlimited Leaves & Trust 08:30 – Values & Culture in Action 08:45 – What Vanson Is Most Proud Of 10:30 – How Canva Measures Impact 12:12 – Maintaining Culture While Scaling 14:22 – Canva Culture Behind the Scenes 16:00 – Why He Stays at Canva 16:59 – Message to His 25-Year-Old Self 18:37 – A Moment He Felt “Seen” 22:15 – Learning to Read Subtle Cues 24:46 – Becoming a Leader for the First Time 26:53 – Why Leaders Shouldn’t Fear Talent 28:48 – The Biggest Leadership Challenge 31:46 – His Toughest Feedback 34:22 – Designing Psychological Safety 39:53 – Encouraging Openness & Candor 40:07 – Fatherhood, Gaming & Leadership 42:55 – Fast & Fearless Round 43:03 – Making People Feel Seen 45:26 – One Message for Leaders 46:50 – What Leaders Don’t Admit Enough 50:14 – The Power of Community 51:06 – Why He Said Yes to the Podcast 52:27 – Possibility Thinking 54:04 – Sha Answers Vanson’s Question 56:08 – Reflection & Growth Connect with Vanson So:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvansonso/Connect with Sha Nacino:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sha-nacino/Join Sha’s free email newsletter: https://shanacino.com/fearlessThank you for listening!About the speaker: Sha Nacino is a global keynote speaker on human connection and compassionate leadership. She was named one of the World’s Top 30 Motivational Speakers by Global Gurus, alongside Simon Sinek and Gary Vaynerchuk—the only Asian on the list. A 2-time TEDx speaker and former adjunct faculty at the Asian Institute of Management, Sha has spoken across Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. She is the author of 16 books, including her latest, SEEN: Good Leaders Have Vision. Great Leaders See., and host of the Fearless Possibilities podcast. Her work has been recognized the the United Nations Global Entrepreneur Council and World Humanitarian Drive. Website and video: https://www.shanacino.comSupport the show