From Rookie to Rockstar

From Rookie to Rockstar: Lessons in Leadership, Humor, and Trust”

As promised in my last post, here’s the next chapter in the leadership chronicles – a story brimming with humor, drive, and genuine kindness. Grab your favorite drink (mine happens to be a Monster), settle in, and let’s dive into an unforgettable leadership journey.

The Beginning of an Unlikely Adventure

It all started when I transitioned from Intel to Bell Sports to manage their technical operations team. It was my first management role, complete with a second-floor office and a sweet window view. Talk about starting on a high note!

Enter Tikie, the VP of HR and Operations. Tikie was a force of nature – tough, genuine, and an absolute joy to work for. She had this magical way of making you want to be your very best. How? Let me show you with a few memorable stories that define her leadership style. As you read, think about the leaders who’ve influenced your journey – the good, the great, and the ones who…well, let’s just say they “taught you patience.”

The ERP Challenge

About a month into my new job, Tikie strolled into the Director of IT’s office while I was there and casually asked, “Hey Devin, could you convert the ERP system in our European office to ours?”

Being the ever-enthusiastic rookie, I said, “Sure, give me enough time and money, and I can do anything. Do you actually want us to do this?” She replied, “Just a thought for now.”

Five minutes later, she returned with, “Okay, let’s do it by July 4.”

I laughed – surely this was a joke, right? Nope. It was late April, and she dropped this project like a mic and walked away, leaving the proverbial “gauntlet” in the room.

Despite the near-impossible timeline, my team and I planned and executed the migration of a large ERP system for our European business. Fun fact: July 4th isn’t a holiday in Ireland, so while Americans were grilling burgers, we were busy pulling off a seamless transition. Not a single hiccup.

Sunday Night Surprise

Not long after given the ERP migration challenge, Tikie called me on a Sunday night at 7 p.m., asking if I could meet her in the CEO’s office. Naturally, my brain screamed, “What did I do wrong?!”

When I arrived, they revealed the company was relocating its corporate headquarters from California to Texas. Only a handful of people knew, and Tikie was asked if she could only bring two employees, which two employees would she would bring. To my shock, I was one of them. Imagine being just a few months in and being entrusted with a major promotion and the massive task of moving an entire corporate office.

As plans evolved, my responsibilities expanded. At one point, I was in charge of the office build-out, a totally new challenge for me. Being a sucker for a good challenge, I negotiated for a “Ferrari” upon successful completion. Tikie agreed, and we delivered on every front – on time, under budget, and with minimal disruption.

Her sense of humor shined through when she handed me my “bonus”: a scale model of a red Ferrari. Not quite what I envisioned, but classic Tikie, genuine, hilarious, and thoughtful.

Lessons in Leadership

Tikie’s leadership was a masterclass in empowerment. She provided the vision, set guardrails, and let her leaders lead. Her approach taught me the importance of trust, flexibility, and the art of letting people find their own path to success.

Because of her, I learned that leadership isn’t about micromanaging; it’s about inspiring others to thrive. She became my mentor, shaping my own leadership foundation. Tikie embodied Maya Angelou’s words: “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Your Turn

Now it’s your turn. Who’s the leader who planted the seeds of your leadership style? Share your story in the comments as we’d love to hear how they shaped your journey. Because in the end, leadership is as much about the people who guide us as it is about the paths we choose to follow.