HelloFresh

Jill Leonard

In an interview with Manage HR Europe, Jill Leonard, the Global Senior Director of Talent at HelloFresh, delves into the dynamic landscape of leadership and talent management within the innovative realm of meal kit delivery. She shares insights into her role and unveils the intricacies of fostering genuine leadership with a balanced approach spanning traditional and technological tools. 

What challenges do you often encounter as one of the leaders, and how do you navigate those challenges and manage things?

Navigating today's work challenges involves constant travel to Berlin and London, engaging with a diverse, international team largely through virtual means. Crafting resonant messages for this audience is a key consideration. Beyond routine office dynamics, the current global landscape introduces complexities, including two wars and international crises. Setting up and managing the team demands strategic communication, flexibility, and virtual team-building. As I head to Berlin, careful planning and adaptable leadership remain crucial for steering the team successfully through these intricate times.

How do you manage and motivate your international team? What strategies do you employ to stay informed about ongoing developments and maintain a connection despite physical distance?

As a leader, traditional tools are crucial in maintaining effective communication. Tasks like establishing a routine meeting cadence, including regular one-to-ones and skip-level meetings, structuring project and day-to-day work check-ins, and discussions about future aspirations provide a foundation that fosters comfort among the team.

At the same time, adding a layer of sophistication through virtual tools is important. For instance, I recently conducted a session on disaster recovery planning, using organizational charts to ensure the inclusion of those in the spotlight and individuals who might be less assertive. It's vital to strike a balance between structured interactions and thoughtful engagement to include everyone. Throughout these efforts, the primary focus is on the team.

“Ensuring that structures are conducive to the thriving of team members, regardless of their location—be it Berlin, London, or Sydney—is a critical aspect of leadership. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels cared for and supported.”

Recognizing that great recruitment delivery hinges on motivated individuals, anticipating team needs becomes paramount. Ensuring that structures are conducive to the thriving of team members, regardless of their location—be it Berlin, London, or Sydney—emerges as a critical aspect of leadership. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels cared for and supported.

Have you undertaken team-building initiatives incorporating the discussed strategies to maintain team cohesion and effective communication?

At HelloFresh, fostering a strong team dynamic is a priority. The Berlin office boasts a unique "family kitchen" where leadership collaborates with the team during breakfast sessions. These informal events align with the company's ethos of an egoless and collaborative environment. For virtual teams, activities like retrospectives on projects and online discussions on Slack, facilitated by an interactive bot, maintain momentum.

The cost and logistics of in-person gatherings for a sizable team are critical factors that we often consider. A notable addition to HelloFresh's approach is the introduction of Talent Review. This process emphasizes collaboration by involving multiple perspectives when reviewing team members. It occurs twice a year, leveraging data to set standards and expectations for various roles. This not only aids in a shared understanding and performance evaluation but contributes to the organic maturation and sophistication of leadership conversations within the team. In an era where traditional team-building events like Christmas outings exist, the Talent Review process stands out for its lasting impact, collaboration, and team-building benefits.

Are there any emerging technologies you are optimistic about and hope to implement within your company one day?

Technology plays a vital role in facilitating collaboration in our globally dispersed team. We leverage tools like G-Suite and standard slides to input and share information asynchronously, ensuring seamless communication among team members from Copenhagen to Sydney. G Sheets help us track feedback, enabling data-driven calibration and performance assessments.

As we prioritize agility by using available tools, we strive to maintain a balance to avoid a fragmented tech infrastructure. Although we don't have a comprehensive integration with our current performance platform, we've opted for a smaller platform that aligns with our needs. This approach allows us to stay nimble without compromising efficiency, avoiding the complexities associated with numerous non-integrated software solutions.

What advice do you have for aspiring professionals, and how would you motivate them to navigate their careers effectively?

My most impactful advice revolves around authentic leadership and staying true to your values. Whether stepping into a leadership role or even before, people observe your decisions, conduct in meetings, and overall demeanor. They seek role models, individuals who pave the way for their growth.

Being the leader you aspire to be is not just about authenticity as a buzzword; it's about genuinely contributing to the development of those who will follow in your footsteps. Establishing a true leadership identity with unwavering principles provides a structured framework. This clarity guides your team on when to seek advice, fostering an environment where they can grow into the kind of leader beneficial for the organization. In essence, being thorough and authentic in your leadership sets a positive example and helps shape the future leaders within your team.