56. JOHN FOONG

In the latest episode of the Courage to Lead Interview Series, I had the pleasure of speaking with John Foong, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director of Agent Experience at Domain Group. With an impressive background that includes roles as the Global Head of Account Management and Customer Engineering for Uber in San Francisco, and Global Director of Partner Sales and Strategic Alliances at Google in California, John shared his unique approach to leadership and team engagement. Foundation of Leadership: Lessons from Family John's first true experience of leadership was shaped by his father, who moved from Malaysia to Australia seeking a better life. His father’s leadership style focused on creating an environment that allowed John to grow without imposing his values. This early lesson taught John the importance of setting the right conditions for growth and allowing individuals to choose their own paths. Earning Trust in a Competitive Environment John emphasised that in today’s world, leaders need to earn their followers' trust daily. In a competitive job market, employees have the option to work elsewhere, often for equal or greater pay. Therefore, it’s crucial to create an environment where they feel valued and engaged. Talent Management in a Competitive Marketplace John’s time at Stanford and Google taught him that Silicon Valley operates as a talent marketplace. Companies must create conditions that attract and retain top talent. At Google, management effectiveness is taken seriously, with regular surveys assessing leadership performance. Responding to Feedback When John first became a manager, he realised that being friendly wasn’t enough. Feedback revealed that he wasn’t having meaningful career conversations with his team. He took steps to improve by scheduling regular career discussions and using templates to guide those conversations. Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace John highlighted the significance of psychological safety, a concept he learned during his time at Google. Research shows that teams thrive when members feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. Balancing Competition and Camaraderie John believes that the best workplace cultures combine a drive for performance with a sense of enjoyment and appreciation. At Domain, social committees and events foster connectivity among employees, contributing to a fun and engaging workplace. Building and Maintaining Professional Relationships John shared how reaching out to his network helped him during career transitions. Even distant connections were willing to provide insights and guidance, highlighting the importance of networking. Mentorship and Career Guidance Throughout his career, John has benefited from supportive managers and mentors. These relationships have provided valuable guidance during pivotal moments, helping him navigate career transitions and make informed decisions. Conclusion John Foong’s insights on leadership and talent management offer valuable lessons for leaders at all levels. By creating an environment where employees feel valued and engaged, fostering psychological safety, and building strong professional relationships, leaders can drive performance and create a positive workplace culture.