Name: Fabian Dawed

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Organisation: YouCloud

I am Fabian Dawed, the CEO of YouCloud, a cloud computing business startup. With over 5 years of experience in the technology sector, I have a proven track record of driving innovation, growth, and success in the dynamic world of cloud computing. My leadership style is characterized by a commitment to empowering teams, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional value to our customers. Under my leadership, YouCloud will achieve significant milestones, including international expansion and the development of cutting-edge cloud solutions. I am passionate about the future of technology and committed to positioning YouCloud as a leader in the cloud computing industry.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Fabian's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The most challenging aspect of leadership has been keeping up with the fast-paced advancements in the cloud computing industry. This includes staying current with technology, attracting and retaining top talent, ensuring security and compliance, and effectively competing in a dynamic market. Additionally, scaling our operations while maintaining quality, managing risks, and meeting evolving customer expectations have all presented ongoing challenges. Despite these challenges, they also provide opportunities for growth and innovation in our dynamic field.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey as a leader at YouCloud began with the inception of the company. I am proud to say that the idea for YouCloud, which focuses on providing cloud computing services tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and startups, originated with me.

Recognizing the growing demand for scalable and cost-effective cloud solutions among SMBs and startups, I saw an opportunity to create a company that could address their specific needs. This vision led to the founding of YouCloud, where we aimed to offer innovative, reliable, and affordable cloud services to help these businesses thrive in the digital age.

However, I must emphasize that the success of YouCloud wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable contributions of my dedicated team members. Our Corporate Specialist, Callum L Grady, has been instrumental in shaping our corporate strategy and ensuring our long-term sustainability.

Fred Newtz, our CTO, has been the driving force behind the technological innovation that sets YouCloud apart. His technical expertise and leadership have been critical in developing and maintaining our state-of-the-art cloud infrastructure.

Yusuf Ajadi, our Marketing Specialist, has played a pivotal role in creating and executing our marketing strategies, helping us reach and connect with our target audience effectively.

Without the dedication, expertise, and hard work of these key team members, I would be lost in the complexity of running a startup like YouCloud. Together, we form a strong and collaborative leadership team that is committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients and realizing our vision for YouCloud's success.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My typical workday starts with an early morning routine, including exercise and meditation. I then dedicate time to emails and communication, followed by prioritizing tasks and meetings with key team members. Much of my day involves strategic planning, decision-making, networking, and supporting my team. In the evening, I wrap up work, spend time with family, and reflect on the day. A good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining productivity and balance.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I learned this valuable lesson from my CTO, Fred Newtz. His guidance and experience have been instrumental in helping me understand the importance of proactive leadership, respecting deadlines, and gaining a deep understanding of various aspects of our business. I greatly appreciate his mentorship, and I'm committed to applying these lessons to become a more effective leader at YouCloud:

The lesson emphasizes that being a CEO means being a leader, not just having a prestigious title. As a leader, it's crucial to be proactive and take the initiative to understand the details of various aspects of the business. In this case, studying the contract template was essential to have meaningful discussions about pay and benefits with the salesperson.

Additionally, effective leaders understand the value of time, both their own and that of their team members. Real deadlines are based on actual requirements and not arbitrary preferences. Leaders should respect deadlines and prioritize tasks accordingly.

Furthermore, leadership involves continuous learning and gaining a deep understanding of each team member's role and responsibilities. This knowledge is essential for effective decision-making and guiding the team toward shared goals.

This lesson serves as a reminder that leadership requires a commitment to ongoing learning, proactive engagement, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the organization's operations to be an effective leader.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Certainly, "Unlimited Power" by Anthony Robbins is a book that has had a profound impact on my leadership journey. Here's a brief story of how this book influenced my leadership style:

Early in my career as the CEO of YouCloud, I was facing various challenges in leading a startup, from setting a clear vision to motivating my team and making strategic decisions. I knew that effective leadership was critical to the success of the company, but I was looking for guidance on how to harness my potential and lead with greater impact.

"Unlimited Power" by Anthony Robbins came highly recommended to me, so I decided to dive into it. The book provided me with powerful insights into the psychology of human behavior and motivation. It taught me how to harness the immense power of the mind and emotions to achieve personal and professional success.

One key takeaway from the book was the concept of the "personal power." Robbins emphasized that by mastering our emotions, beliefs, and actions, we can tap into our unlimited potential and achieve extraordinary results. This idea profoundly impacted my leadership style, as I realized the importance of emotional intelligence and self-mastery in effectively leading a team.

Robbins' strategies for goal setting, communication, and influence also resonated with me. I began implementing these techniques in my leadership approach, which led to improved communication with my team, clearer goal-setting, and a more motivating and empowering leadership style.

In essence, "Unlimited Power" transformed my perspective on leadership by emphasizing the importance of personal development, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. It empowered me to become a more influential and impactful leader, not just within the company but also in my personal life. The book continues to inspire me to push the boundaries of my potential as a leader and to help my team do the same at YouCloud.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Never stop learning and growing.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

In the early days of YouCloud, when our business was still in its infancy, we faced a significant technical challenge. A critical system component that was fundamental to our services had unexpectedly failed, jeopardizing our ability to deliver to our first batch of clients. The pressure was on, and it was a make-or-break moment for us.

As the CEO, I knew that the resolution of this issue was paramount, and it required the collective effort of our entire team. I called an emergency meeting, and our CTO, Fred Newtz, quickly took charge of the technical aspects. The rest of the team, including our Corporate Specialist Callum L Grady and Marketing Specialist Yusuf Ajadi, rallied together to provide support in any way they could.

What unfolded in the following days was truly remarkable. Our team members put in long hours, working tirelessly to identify the root cause of the problem and implement a solution. There were moments of frustration and uncertainty, but the shared determination to overcome the challenge bonded us even closer.

Through a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and sheer perseverance, we eventually resolved the issue. It was a collective win that demonstrated the incredible synergy and unity within our team. We not only overcame a critical obstacle but also emerged from it stronger and more resilient.

This story serves as a reminder that even in the early stages of our business, the power of teamwork and a shared commitment to our mission were instrumental in overcoming adversity. It solidified our belief that with a dedicated and cohesive team, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way, ultimately leading to the success and growth of YouCloud.