This episode features Parisa Zander, a global leader in partner and channel experiences with an extensive career at Meta, Microsoft, and Samsung. Parisa shares actionable insights on leadership, culture-building, and career development that are especially relevant for professionals navigating high-growth environments and large organizations. Her experience leading teams across global markets offers a grounded look at what effective leadership actually requires today.

Parisa discusses the power of operating with a startup mindset inside major companies, revealing how speed, ownership, and low ego can transform both team performance and cross-functional collaboration. She also offers a candid look at the transition from peer to manager, explaining why boundary-setting, clarity, and honest communication are essential for long-term trust and respect. Her perspective helps new and emerging leaders understand what it really takes to guide teams through change, pressure, and rapid growth.

A major theme in this conversation is the role of culture and how it is built through day-to-day behavior rather than top-down mandates. Parisa explains how intentional traditions, shared experiences, and genuine team-driven initiatives can create a culture that people actually want to be part of. Her examples highlight the difference between performative leadership and leadership that inspires loyalty and discretionary effort.

Emotional intelligence is another key focus, and Parisa breaks down why EQ (not technical expertise) separates mediocre managers from great ones. She discusses how to read the room, understand unspoken signals, diffuse tension, and build meaningful relationships across an organization. These insights are valuable for anyone seeking to improve their leadership presence, communication skills, or influence at work.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for navigating corporate environments, strengthening team relationships, developing authentic leadership styles, and making better decisions under pressure. Parisa’s down-to-earth approach and real-world stories make this episode a powerful resource for professionals in tech, marketing, operations, and any field that relies on strong people leadership.

Ideal for anyone searching for insights on leadership development, organizational culture, emotional intelligence at work, or career growth in large companies, this episode provides clear takeaways that can be applied immediately in any professional setting.