Our goal at Virtualitics is to make AI more accessible, actionable, and transparent, but these are also the core tenets by which we are building our company culture. We want Virtualitics to be the place where every individual can bring their full impact, grow their careers, and reach their fullest potential.
But leadership in the tech industry comes with unique challenges. Limited resources, fast-paced environments, and the constant need to innovate all demand that we do more than just manage—we must inspire every individual in the company to cultivate their own leadership capabilities and potential as well.
When Collin P. Green, a member of our Board of Advisors, shared his six core principles for leadership at our offsite in November 2024 they resonated deeply with all our employees. As a retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral, Collin is a recognized leader in special operations, strategic planning, and developing organizational culture.
In this article, we’ll share his six leadership principles, why they are essential, and how we at Virtualitics put them into action everyday.
1. Be Intellectually Curious
In a startup environment, curiosity drives innovation. Leaders who are willing to ask questions, explore new ideas, and constantly learn create a ripple effect throughout their organizations. When everyone in the organization is inspired to pursue intellectual curiosity, it not only fosters creative problem-solving but also ensures businesses stay competitive in rapidly evolving industries.
Virtualitics was born out of a decade of groundbreaking research at Caltech, which means intellectual curiosity is in our DNA. For example, we partnered with Columbia Medical School researchers to use our AI-guided analytics to prove a link between the flu and lung cancer deaths. Our data exploration helped show the need for better vaccine programs for cancer patients.
To adopt this leadership principle, start by dedicating time each week to learn something new about your industry, technology, or leadership techniques. Be sure to then share your insights with your team to encourage a culture of curiosity.
2. Integrity and Trust Matter
Trust is the currency of leadership, and integrity is its foundation. In startup life, teams can be more tightly-knit and a breach of trust can have far-reaching consequences. By leading with honesty and consistency, leaders not only earn the respect of their teams but also build a culture of accountability.
Building trust at Virtualitics means openly discussing challenges, progress, and goals. We use these moments to demonstrate transparency—whether it’s admitting a mistake or sharing tough decisions.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail and Take Chances
Businesses thrive on calculated risks. While failure is often stigmatized, it’s an inevitable part of growth and innovation. By embracing failure and viewing it as a learning opportunity, leaders can help their direct reports take bold steps without fear of repercussions.
We’re big proponents of holding a “lessons learned” meeting after every project or initiative to not only normalize failure, but encourage our teams to see it as part of the growth and learning process. Our hope is that individuals focus on what they can improve and should carry forward into the next sprint or campaign.
4. Create a Culture Where Others Can Succeed
Great leaders prioritize the growth and success of their teams. This means providing resources, removing obstacles, and empowering individuals to excel. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to contribute their best work.
“I was looking for a company where I could work on exciting projects from start to finish,” says Anubha Bhargava, a data scientist at Virtualitics in this interview. “I was fortunate to not only find this at Virtualitics, but also become part of a workplace that supported me when I was a new mom and again, when I returned to work after maternity leave.”
To start living this principle, we suggest identifying one area where you can delegate authority or provide more autonomy to your team. Offer guidance and resources but allow them to own the outcome. And remember to recognize and reward their achievements, which reinforces the value of their contributions and builds their confidence.
5. Have Fun, Break Bread, and Pursue Mentorship
Creating moments of connection in teams strengthens bonds. Sharing meals, enjoying informal interactions, and prioritizing mentorship enrich relationships and foster a sense of belonging. Mentorship, in particular, ensures a cycle of learning and growth within the organization.
We encourage our employees of all job levels and seniority to seek out mentorship internally and externally, whether it’s in a formal or informal capacity. When leaders have mentors to help advise and guide them, both the mentee and company performance benefit as a result.
Foster camaraderie on your team by scheduling regular team lunches or other kinds of informal gatherings where everyone can connect on topics beyond work. Simultaneously, commit to being a mentor to someone in your organization while seeking a mentor outside your business to gain fresh perspectives.
6. Practice Ruthless Preparation and Self-Assessment
In a fast-moving startup environment, preparation is key to maintaining agility. Leaders who combine meticulous planning with regular self-assessment can anticipate challenges and adapt effectively. Only when leaders are honest with their strengths and weaknesses can they ensure continuous personal and professional growth, as well as inspire their teams to begin their own reflective practices.
We recommend starting with a quarterly self-assessment routine. During this time, seek feedback from your team and reflect on your performance since your last assessment. When goal-setting, make sure to include actionable practices for your improvement and pair these with a structured planning process to tie them back to key business initiatives.
The Value of Intentional Leadership
In the dynamic world of tech, culture is often the defining factor between success and stagnation. These six principles lay the foundation for a culture of innovation, trust, resilience, and growth.
When leaders intentionally embody these values, they not only strengthen their businesses and deliver more sustainable growth, but also inspire their teams to reach new heights.
