Profile: Angela Gaylor
Photo Credit: Kayla Hayden
Meet Angela Gaylor. Head of Team Engagement at Webflow.
Name: Angela Gaylor
Job: Head of Team Engagement at Webflow
City: NYC, soon-to-be Chagrin Falls!
Hometown: Centerville
Q: What does your organization do?
Webflow is a visual web development platform that allows people to design, build, and launch completely custom websites without writing code. By combining design, animation, content management, marketing, and ecommerce tools into a single platform, Webflow empowers non-coders and coders alike to ship and promote websites of all kinds in a faster, more cost-efficient, and more collaborative way. Webflow powers websites for innovative companies like Allianz, Zendesk, Lattice, Getaround, Upwork, and Dell. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, Webflow is backed by Accel, CapitalG, Silversmith Capital Partners, Y-Combinator, and Draper Associates.
Q: What’s a challenge you're working to solve?
We are doubling in size this year (!), so I am working on making sure we stay ahead of the rapid growth so we can communicate and collaborate most effectively and efficiently.
The main adjustment this past year for top tech talent has been many workers becoming digital nomads or people who split their time between two residences and prefer to keep it that way. This presents a whole new series of challenges, both from the compliance and workflow angles. For distributed collaboration, there are some amazing tools out there (Loom is a lifesaver!), but there is no replacement for live human interaction.
Before COVID, we did a virtual offsite once a year and an in-person offsite once a year which is so effective. We also rotate live event times and host viewing parties for those who couldn't view live.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that's shaped your work?
I once had someone tell me that a happy, engaged team member is someone who is given the tools to have a sense of belonging, a sense of self-esteem and a sense of purpose. I keep it on a sticky note on my laptop and try to think through this lens every day. It's even more of a challenge since we are a remote-first, global company, so I have to build processes and workflows largely around async work and heavy documentation.
Q: What’s a trend in technology or innovation that doesn’t get enough attention?
EdTech is really interesting right now. There is a lot of talk around rapid and massive change in education coming up so I'm keeping an eye on that space. I also have a vested interest since I have a 2.5-year old! I think a lot started years ago with incubators at Google and WeLive coming out of WeWork. I'm seeing innovative disruptors addressing not only early childhood education, but also continued education and reskilling which is so important nowadays.
Q: What’s one moonshot idea that could help make Ohio a world leader in technology and innovation?
I am happy to say that I have some big dreams around this subject and am actively working on building something that would be really exciting. That's all I can say for now!
Q: What’s a recent book, podcast or news story that you found interesting?
No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention. A fascinating look into a polarizing culture in the industry with a lot of valuable lessons.
I had heard about the infamous "Keeper Test" before, but the book really went into it. The process is a performance management pressure test that asks the manager if they would fight for their direct report should they try and leave. If the answer is no or the direct report is simply seen as adequate, the direct report is presented with a severance package.
I empathize with teams that aren't functioning smoothly due to a few low performers, but I also think that humans are a bit like geese and sometimes need to lead the V when they are feeling strong and other times require the support of other wings to help lift them up and keep them moving.
Q: What's your favorite place in Ohio?
Any of the MetroParks in fall. There is nowhere like Ohio when those leaves turn golden, scarlet and orange. Follow it up with a visit to a local farm and I'm a happy camper!
Q: What makes Ohio special to you?
Ohio is where I was born and raised. Ohio is where my husband was born and raised. Ohio is where my family lives. Ohio is where we're going to raise our son. I've lived many many places, but none of them can take the mantle of "home" quite like Ohio.
Connect with Angela on LinkedIn.