Tanium: A Mission-Driven Culture Attracts Top Talent

Summary

In a conversation with Alan Murray, Tanium CEO Orion Hindawi discussed the company's inclusion in Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For list, attributing success to a strong focus on employee well-being and purpose. He emphasized that creating a supportive culture and allowing remote work have led to increased productivity. As cybersecurity concerns grow amid geopolitical tensions, Tanium has experienced significant growth by helping major organizations secure their IT environments. Hindawi highlighted the importance of employee equity and the mission-driven work that attracts top talent, ultimately fostering a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tanium made it onto Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For list, reflecting effective management and employee satisfaction.
• 😀 The company prioritizes a people-centric approach, allowing employees to work without excessive hierarchy or politics.
• 😀 Orion advises focusing on genuine employee care and connection rather than superficial perks like free food.
• 😀 Heightened cybersecurity concerns due to geopolitical tensions have led to increased business opportunities for Tanium.
• 😀 Tanium has experienced significant growth largely through customer referrals, showcasing strong satisfaction among users.
• 😀 All Tanium employees receive equity in the company, aligning their interests with corporate success and fostering a sense of ownership.
• 😀 The company has adopted a remote-first work model, reporting increased productivity among engineers since the shift.
• 😀 Productivity is measured by outcomes and accomplishments rather than physical presence in an office environment.
• 😀 Effective communication and collaboration are crucial, with leadership utilizing digital tools to maintain connections among remote teams.
• 😀 Tanium’s unique value proposition lies in its strong customer focus and collaboration with major institutions, attracting employees motivated by meaningful work.

Q & A

What is the main reason Tanium made it onto Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For list?

Orion Hindawi attributes Tanium's recognition to its focus on empowering talented people, minimizing hierarchy, and fostering an environment that allows employees to do their best work.

How does Tanium's mission contribute to employee motivation?

Tanium's mission involves securing and operating IT infrastructures for major corporations and governments, which provides employees with a sense of purpose and relevance, especially in an unstable world.

What does Hindawi say about the traditional perks often associated with company culture?

He suggests that while perks like free food and nap pods were once significant, today's workforce seeks meaningful work and a sense of connection instead.

How has the remote work model affected Tanium's productivity?

Hindawi states that their engineers are 37% more efficient under the remote work model, as they have the flexibility to work when and where they are most productive.

What challenges does Hindawi identify regarding remote work and team cohesion?

He acknowledges that some leaders feel that remote work has diminished in-person interaction, which can serve as 'glue' for organizational culture.

How does Tanium measure productivity differently from traditional models?

Tanium focuses on measuring goal completion rather than time spent at a desk, emphasizing the importance of achieving set objectives.

What role do customer referrals play in Tanium's growth?

Hindawi mentions that many of their new customers come through referrals from existing clients, indicating strong satisfaction and effectiveness of their services.

What cybersecurity concerns have influenced Tanium's business recently?

Geopolitical tensions, particularly related to Russia, have heightened concerns about cybersecurity among Tanium's customers, prompting them to seek stronger security measures.

How does Hindawi view the tools available for remote communication?

He believes that tools like Zoom, Teams, and Slack have significantly improved remote communication, allowing effective interaction despite physical distance.

What unique advantage does Tanium have in attracting talent in the cybersecurity field?

Tanium's ability to work with major institutions, including defense departments and top banks, allows it to attract individuals motivated by making a meaningful impact in securing critical infrastructures.