Podcast Episode: Building High Performance Intergenerational Teams with Isaac Tay, ShopBack
What does it take to build high-performing intergenerational teams? How do you balance strengths and weaknesses, foster psychological safety, and create a culture where people thrive?
Isaac Tay, VP of Product at ShopBack shares his journey of leading diverse teams, the power of perseverance in career development, and why human capital is the most valuable resource in the workplace. From managing digital product teams to shaping leadership mindsets, he dives into 3 key aspects:
Unpacking nuances and creating a desirable workplace culture
Accepting, acknowledging and navigating generational differences
Articulating the role of continuous growth in building a resilient work teams
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🎧 Spotify → [Link]
🎧 Apple Podcasts → [Link]
🎧 YouTube → [Link]
Key Takeaways
If you are finding it challenging with leading or working in a team, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
1️⃣ Building Teams is More Than Just Hiring — It’s About Growth & Legacy
2️⃣ Embracing Pain & Struggle is a Pathway to Mastery — Don't Miss the Chance to do Hard Things
3️⃣ The Future of Work is Hyphenated — You Need More Than One Skill
4️⃣ Psychological Safety is Key to Strong Teams — But It’s Hard to Get Right
5️⃣ Career Growth Requires Stewardship & Space — Creating Space for Others
1️⃣ Building Teams is More Than Just Hiring — It’s About Growth & Legacy
Isaac shares that one of his greatest satisfactions comes from seeing the people he’s mentored and worked with thrive in their careers—even after they move on. He believes that truly high-performing teams aren’t just about getting work done but about creating environments where people can grow, excel, and eventually become leaders themselves.
2️⃣ Embracing Pain & Struggle is a Pathway to Mastery — Don't Miss the Chance to do Hard Things
While many younger professionals today may feel they can switch jobs to find a better fit, Isaac highlights the value of powering through discomfort and skill gaps. He emphasises that frustration often signals an area of weakness—and rather than avoiding it, professionals should see it as a chance to develop resilience, learn, and expand their capabilities.
3️⃣ The Future of Work is Hyphenated — You Need More Than One Skill
The traditional idea of rigid job roles is fading. Isaac explains that leaner teams mean individuals must develop multiple complementary skills—for instance, product managers who can conduct data analysis, designers who can code, or engineers who understand product strategy. Those who embrace interdisciplinary skills will have a competitive edge.
4️⃣ Psychological Safety is Key to Strong Teams — But It’s Hard to Get Right
Creating an environment where team members feel safe to voice their opinions, take risks, and learn from failures isn’t easy. Isaac admits that, like many leaders, he is still learning how to balance high standards with support and affirmation. He acknowledges that leaders today must unlearn outdated management styles and develop new ways to foster trust, safety, and open dialogue.
5️⃣ Career Growth Requires Stewardship & Space — Creating Space for Others
As Isaac reflects on his next decade, he shares that he is focused on stewardship as he feels a sense of responsibility for what he has been entrusted with. He wants to dedicate his time and energy to nurturing talent for long term growth and creating space for others to thrive. He compares leadership to a dense forest—where older trees need to make space for younger ones to receive sunlight and grow. For leaders, this means learning when to step back, empower others, and let them take the lead.
Tune in for a conversation that challenges traditional workplace norms and offers a fresh perspective on building teams that thrive.
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Tags:
#IntergenerationalTeams #CareerDevelopment #BuildingTeams #StrengthsAndWeaknesses #PsychologicalSafety #DigitalProducts #Leadership #Perseverance #HumanCapital #WorkplaceCulture
