STORIES
BY LUCIE MORRIS-MARR
But plenty of successful businesses operate this way – and the benefits to women, especially those juggling families, are obvious. Three part-time CEOs tell PRIMER how they get it done.
We’d worked together in the past and were already close friends. The job was advertised as a full-time role, but we made the decision to apply for it together last year, as we both had young families.
The main thing was convincing the board and helping them understand what our operating model would look like. But after the first meeting the board and the staff were really excited.
We split the week in half – we do three days each and then have one overlap day. Wednesday is the day for meetings, problem solving and joint decisions. We say to everyone - treat us like one person. We have one email account, so are across each other’s conversations.
Of course, there are challenges, as there should be in a leadership role. We are still fine-tuning our handover day. But the benefits outweigh the challenges so significantly.
In mid 2020, we trialled a four-day week, where we worked 100 percent, for 100 percent salary in 80 percent of the time. We implemented it in late 2020. Off the back of COVID I recognised that more flexibility was required, and I wanted the team to feel like they were kicking goals at work and in life.
“We are more productive and more respectful of each other’s time. This is particularly the case for meetings, which are now far fewer, far shorter, and more structured.?”
This practice is a true demonstration of trust in your employees, but there are no real disadvantages. Friday is now a day that I can use to think, read, learn new skills or have the space to catch up if necessary. This has been invaluable.
When we started Kip&Co in 2012, it was something we tried to fit around our busy lives. We’ve made the choice to prioritise our family and friends and Kip&Co needs to work around that.
We’ve hired an incredible team, who we empower to make decisions autonomously. We communicate a lot on WhatsApp, but we do so with brevity and act decisively.
Would You Pay $100 For A Face Massage?
BEAUTY
Yes, You Really Should Be Using Acids For Your Skin
BEAUTY
“Should I Have Kids?” One Woman On The Mother Of All Questions
BOOKS