Derrick Britt Interview

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Derek Britt, Vice President at Goldman Sachs, shares his leadership journey and key lessons learned. He emphasizes the importance of performance, passion, and mentorship in career growth. Derek discusses the challenges of transitioning from individual contributor to leader, highlighting the value of delegation, continuous learning, and open communication. He underscores the significance of focusing on people, not just results, and the need for vulnerability and humility in leadership. His advice for first-time managers includes embracing a learning mindset, fostering trust, and prioritizing team development for long-term success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace a learning mindset: Leadership is a continuous journey, and new managers should remain open to learning from various sources, including peers, reports, and industry events.
• 😀 Leadership is about people: While results matter, leadership is primarily about supporting and developing your team to achieve collective success.
• 😀 Delegate and trust your team: Successful leaders empower their team by delegating tasks and trusting them to take ownership, leading to higher engagement and stronger results.
• 😀 Communication is key: Regular one-on-one meetings with team members are essential to set clear expectations, offer feedback, and foster trust.
• 😀 Learn from mistakes: Early leadership mistakes, such as trying to solve every problem alone, offer valuable lessons about the importance of delegation and team collaboration.
• 😀 Invest in mentorship: Helping others grow and offering guidance creates a supportive environment where everyone can excel and contribute to overall success.
• 😀 Never stop growing: Even at advanced leadership levels, continuing to learn through reading, conferences, and networking is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• 😀 Focus on performance through collaboration: As a leader, seek opportunities to streamline processes and work collaboratively with your team to improve both individual and group performance.
• 😀 Be transparent and ask for feedback: Be open about your goals and decisions, and actively seek feedback to improve your leadership approach and grow your team.
• 😀 Lead by example: Transitioning from a peer to a manager requires clear communication about the shift and the intention to support the success of others.
• 😀 Vulnerability builds trust: Being open about not having all the answers and asking for help fosters an environment of trust and encourages team members to engage more deeply in their work.

Q & A

What is Derek Britt's current role at Goldman Sachs?

Derek Britt is the Vice President of Fraud Investigations and Operations at Goldman Sachs, where he has been working for the past three years.

How did Derek Britt's career evolve to his current position?

Derek's career began as a phone agent focusing on customer accounts and fraud concerns. Over time, he consistently sought opportunities to streamline processes and improve performance, eventually stepping into leadership roles, including team leader at Capital One before moving into his current role at Goldman Sachs.

What role did mentorship play in Derek Britt's career development?

Mentorship played a significant role in Derek's development. He was mentored by leaders who saw potential in him and told him there was no ceiling to his growth. This encouragement led him to adopt a mentorship approach himself, helping others grow in their careers.

What were some key mistakes Derek made early in his leadership journey?

Derek's biggest mistake early on was trying to solve every problem by himself. He struggled to delegate tasks, having come from a background where he was used to being hands-on. He learned that effective leadership involves empowering the team through delegation.

How does Derek view the importance of trust within a team?

Derek believes that trust is crucial for team engagement and commitment. When leaders trust their teams and delegate meaningful tasks, it fosters independence and helps individuals feel that their work matters, which ultimately leads to better results.

What leadership lessons has Derek learned about managing a team?

Derek has learned that leadership is about more than just producing good work. It’s about developing and supporting the team to perform at their best. He also emphasizes the importance of regular one-on-ones and open communication to build trust and foster growth.

How does Derek continue to grow as a leader despite his senior position?

Despite being a Vice President, Derek is committed to continuous learning. He attends conferences, reads books, and networks with peers to gain new insights and grow his leadership skills. This commitment to learning keeps him evolving in his role.

What advice does Derek give to new managers?

Derek advises new managers to embrace a mindset of learning and humility. He stresses that you don’t need to have all the answers on day one. Additionally, he recommends being transparent with your team, communicating expectations clearly, and focusing on developing people rather than just achieving results.

How did Derek handle the transition from being a peer to becoming a manager?

Derek handled the transition by having one-on-one conversations with his previous peers. He acknowledged the shift and made his intentions clear, expressing his commitment to supporting their success and the team's goals.

How does Derek approach one-on-ones with his direct reports?

Derek values one-on-ones and conducts them weekly with his direct reports. These sessions allow for feedback, pulse checks, and discussions on career goals. He tailors each session based on the individual’s preferences for feedback and recognition.