Growth: Global Lessons from Fearless Leaders
Great teams don’t just happen — at Teads we create environments where there is challenge and support and where people find purpose, autonomy, recognition, and space to grow. We call these diverse, Fearless Teams. Not because they never fail but because they learn, adapt, and rise — together.
This May we focused on one of the conditions we nurture to build Fearless Teams: Growth. But not just growth in the traditional sense — this was about the inner work that happens when people are given the space to stretch, stumble, reflect, and evolve.
To bring this theme to life, we hosted a global online roundtable moderated by Alex Cheeseman , Teads' Global Head of Finance, STA, featuring leaders from across Teads. The conversation explored how we can reframe failure, embrace calculated risk, and create conditions where growth isn’t forced — it’s cultivated.
Main Takeaway: Thriving Looks Different for Everyone
Like plants, people need different combinations of conditions to thrive. Some flourish in the spotlight, soaking up attention like sunlight. Others grow through challenges, grounded in purpose and stability. Some need the freedom to stretch and explore, nourished by autonomy and choice.
What energizes one person might overwhelm another. The key is understanding our own optimal mix, and the art of leadership lies in recognizing and balancing these needs across a team’s unique ecosystem.
Growth Journeys from Fearless Leaders
Here’s what our roundtable participants shared from their own experiences:
Mayra Contreras – Growth Is Evolving Together
“Growth is about expanding our skills, embracing challenges, and aligning personal goals with the company’s mission.”
Mayra shared her journey of adapting across organizations and learning that what worked before might not always translate. Her growth came from resilience, balance, and a commitment to evolving alongside her team.
Lee Fels – Growth Is Having the Right Conditions
“Sometimes the biggest blocker to growth is our own behavior.”
Lee highlighted how meaningful growth often starts with self-reflection. By focusing on positivity, clear communication, and empathy, he’s learned to create the kind of environment where both leaders and teams can thrive. He also emphasized the value of mentorship — both receiving it and offering it — as a key driver of personal and collective development.
Florjan Bartol – Growth Lives Outside the Comfort Zone
“Years ago I stepped into a leadership role even when I didn’t feel ready. That’s where the real learning began.”
He now champions a culture of learning from failure, helping teams grow stronger by fostering psychological safety and open reflection when things go wrong.
Alexander Erlmeier – Growth Means Movement
“Growth is about movement — forward (faster), upward (better), and sometimes sideways (deeper/happier).”
Alex emphasized that progress isn’t linear. He reminded us that trust is efficient, mistakes are necessary, and what matters most is accountability — aligned with his two simple office rules: (1) No drama, (2) No excuses.
Why Focus on Growth?
Because fearless teams don’t just appear — they’re intentionally built. By nurturing Purpose, Challenge, Attention, Growth, Recognition, and Choice — we create environments where people can do more than just perform. They can thrive.
And growth is a key part of that equation. In our campaign, we reframed failure as a development tool:
A chance to ask better questions, not dwell on guilt.
It’s this kind of thinking that turns distress into eustress — a healthy kind of pressure that inspires people to grow, not shut down.
What Comes Next?
This session was just one seed in our broader cultural journey. Growth doesn’t end with one campaign — it continues through ongoing dialogue, leadership support, and team-level action.
Fearless Teams are not fearless because they avoid failure.
They’re fearless because they face it together — and use it as fuel to grow.
By Alejandra Herrera , Admin Operations & DEI Council Member
Alejandra is a representative of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) council at Teads, helping to chart the course for a diverse and inclusive workplace across our global offices.