In this episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, Charlie Shrem is joined by Andy Hilliard, CEO of Accelerance and author of Synergea: A Blueprint for Building Effective, Globally Distributed Teams in the New Era of Software Development. Andy draws on over two decades of experience in outsourcing and global talent procurement to guide listeners through the complex world of scaling software development teams. From navigating cultural nuances and time zone challenges to building sustainable, high-performing teams, Andy shares valuable insights for companies, especially in the crypto space, struggling with rapid growth and the demand for specialized talent.
The episode explores the importance of strategic partnerships, due diligence in outsourcing, and the hidden value in global talent pools. Andy’s advice is a must for anyone looking to scale efficiently and avoid the common pitfalls of poor team integration.
Global Talent Pool: Andy dives into why 85% of software development talent is located outside of the U.S. and how companies can leverage this global talent pool for competitive pricing and higher efficiency.
The Critical Role of Due Diligence: Learn how to avoid costly mistakes when choosing partners or outsourcing teams. Andy emphasizes how deep due diligence—going beyond surface-level research—can save companies millions by ensuring credibility and trust.
Cultural Alignment & Effective Teamwork: Andy highlights how cultural alignment is essential for building strong, integrated teams. He discusses using scorecards to evaluate potential partners based on various factors including language proficiency, time zone alignment, and technological expertise.
Servant Leadership: A core concept Andy champions is “Servant Leadership,” which is about focusing on empowering your service providers to do their best work in return for long-term results and loyalty.
The Intersection of Crypto & Traditional Outsourcing: Andy explains why software developers in the cryptocurrency space face unique challenges that require tailored solutions. He sheds light on how companies can efficiently build their development teams around niche expertise like Bitcoin and blockchain development.
The Importance of Building a Strong Framework: Learn why taking the time to define a framework for collaboration is essential for successful partnerships. Andy stresses that rushing into relationships without proper planning often leads to failure.
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