From time to time, I find myself at the Starbucks near my home in Kuala Lumpur, sipping a hot cup of coffee as I reflect on the many experiences that have shaped my career. Just the other day, on my way there, I was reminded of a significant event that changed how I view hiring and leadership. I knew I had to share it with you.
A while back, I was tasked with building a new data science team for our company in Jakarta, Indonesia. As the Chief Data Officer, I was responsible for this critical mission. The opportunity to tap into Indonesia’s growing tech scene was exciting, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy. With its blend of tradition and modernity, the city was a bustling hub of activity—a perfect setting for this new venture.
The first few days in Jakarta were intense. I spent long days interviewing candidates, trying to find the right mix of talent and character. My office was in the heart of the city, with views that captured both the historic charm and the rapid modernization happening all around. Despite meeting many intelligent and energetic candidates, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I kept hearing Warren Buffett’s words in my head:
“In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two kill you.” — Warren Buffett
Then, one afternoon, Elena walked into the office. She had a calm confidence about her, and her resume was impressive—degrees from top universities and a strong background in data analytics. But what truly stood out was how she talked about her work. Elena didn’t just see data as numbers; she saw it as a way to tell stories and drive meaningful change.
During our conversation, she shared an experience from her previous job. Her team had been under pressure to manipulate data to please a client. It would have been easy to go along, but Elena stood firm. She insisted on presenting the data truthfully, even at the risk of losing the client. “Integrity above all,” she said with conviction.
That was the moment I knew Elena was the person I needed. She not only had the intelligence and energy to excel but also the integrity that I valued above all else. I hired her on the spot.
After successfully building the team in Jakarta, I returned to Kuala Lumpur, where I continued to lead them remotely. It wasn’t always easy—working across borders presents its own challenges—but knowing I had a team with unwavering integrity made all the difference. We faced tight deadlines, complex projects, and the occasional late-night call, but we always approached our work with honesty and dedication.
As I sit here now, back in that familiar Starbucks in KL, I realize how much that experience in Jakarta taught me. Hiring isn’t just about finding the most intelligent or energetic people; it’s about finding those who share your values. Intelligence and energy can drive a team forward, but they can do more harm than good without integrity.
Leading my team remotely from KL, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of trust and integrity even more. It’s what makes our team strong and allows us to overcome challenges, no matter where we are in the world. As I reflect on the journey we’ve taken, I’m grateful to have found a team that not only excels in their craft but does so with the kind of honesty and integrity that makes me proud to be their leader.