A Slack Story Podcast

Reinventing Meetings: The Power of Effective Executive Briefings
James Sherrett discusses some common frustrations with meetings and argues for their potential efficiency when conducted properly. By exploring Slack's approach to transforming meetings into executive briefings, he demonstrates how thoughtful execution can drive business success. He highlights the collaboration between Slack's sales teams, Slack executives, and Slack customers to create effective briefings that help close deals. Key results of Slack's briefing process include a higher win rate for deals and significant contributions to annual contract value.
00:00 Introduction: the dreaded meeting
00:57 The case for effective meetings
01:23 Human nature and meetings
03:31 Steps to better ,eetings
05:04 Reinventing meetings as briefings
05:44 Collaborating with our 3 key groups
08:08 Examples of successful briefings
13:37 Results and reflections
15:33 Conclusion: finding competitive advantages in plain sight


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com

Fumbling Towards Legitimacy: A Senior Technology Strategist at Slack
James Sherrett shares his journey of becoming a Senior Technology Strategist at Slack, a role he describes as initially undefined and nebulous. He recounts how he took on the challenge of defining his new role, like with his previous positions at the company. Sherrett outlines the three primary responsibilities he eventually took on: executive briefing center engagements, investor and partner engagements, and innovation tours. Were there personal and professional hurdles? Some. Frequent travel and the need for self-sufficiency on the road. Sherrett's tries to capture the nuance of becoming 'the Slack man' though he never talked about it. He highlights the importance of presenting a coherent future vision, drawing from experiences and lessons in executive engagement. The episode concludes with a teaser on exploring these executive briefings and the balance between vision and reality.
00:00 Introduction: becoming a Senior Technology Strategist
01:19 Defining the role: challenges and opportunities
02:28 Establishing the hob: Executive Briefings and public speaking
03:11 A Portfolio of Activities
04:49 Embracing the Slack Man identity
06:38 Life on the road and time alone
09:40 Changing beliefs and behaviors
11:59 Selling the Future: lessons from Microsoft
13:36 Conclusion: Working on Slack vision for the future


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com

Returning to Slack YVR: A Journey Home
James Sherrett recounts his return to Vancouver and Slack YVR on Canada Day, 2017. Slack YVR is familiar yet changed, with growth from 1 to 3 floors. We spend some time on the exceptional team that made Slack special, the culture, shared mission, and collaboration that fostered excellence within Slack. Key employees advanced within the company. How Slack YVR uniquely provided perspective and a focus on deeper work.
00:00 Returning to Vancouver: a new beginning
02:40 Settling back into Slack YVR
04:25 The people of Slack: at the heart of the company
07:37 Growth and expansion: Slack's global journey
10:18 Balancing work and travel
11:39 Building new programs and enjoying the work


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com

Discovering Executive Programs by Doing Executive Programs
After years of team management, James Sherrett finds himself reporting directly to a new, new, new, new boss, Marnie, while no longer managing a team. This transition leads James to explore the world of Executive Programs and Executive Briefing Centres (EBCs), specialized facilities for hosting executives. James learns to adapt to his new role, focusing on building relationships within sales teams, speaking at various industry conferences, and running executive briefing sessions to advance Slack's business goals. Throughout the script, James highlights key strategies, such as thorough preparation for meetings and public speaking engagements, and emphasizes the importance of learning by doing, illustrating his journey from Dublin to various global cities to advance Slack's outreach and impact.
00:05 New boss, new role: adjusting to changes
02:02 Embracing the essentials and finding core responsibilities
02:59 A tour through Executive Programs
07:29 Public speaking and representing Slack
09:49 The pickle of setting: work and location not aligning
15:08 Learning by coing: leading EBCs in London
17:50 Conclusion: returning to Vancouver


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com

Reflections on an Irish Adventure: Transitions and Changes at Slack
James Sherrett shares his experience working at Slack and living in Ireland from 2015 to 2017, highlighting both personal and societal changes. He observes Ireland's transformation with the legalization of same-sex marriage and a movement to repeal the abortion ban. He shares his family's daily life while he worked at Slack Dublin, noting the company's growth and shift to a sales-focused culture. James reflects on his own career challenges, including hiring a career coach. He emphasizes the importance of people in both his professional and personal life, cherishing the connections made during his time in Ireland.
00:00 Introduction: An Irish Goodbye
00:19 Social changes in Ireland
01:26 Reflections on religion and society
02:48 Brexit and its impact on Ireland
03:28 Personal and professional growth
03:56 Slack Dublin: growth and transition
05:27 It's the people
08:43 Moving forward: new role and reflections


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com