In this episode of the Make Work Not Suck podcast, we sit down with Iky Chan, a former leader in a $12 billion multinational tech company, who shares her invaluable insights on navigating corporate challenges and unlocking your potential by identifying and addressing the "invisible systems" that hold many businesses back.

From overcoming adversity as a woman in tech to turning around underperforming teams, Iky reveals how aligning work with purpose and adding value at every step can transform both individual careers and entire organizations. She discusses her journey in mastering Agile methodologies and systems thinking, and how these tools helped her make work not suck.

Key Takeaways:

• How invisible systems can hinder performance and demoralize employees.
• Why focusing on adding value is the key to career growth and satisfaction.
• The power of adaptability, systems thinking, and understanding variability in creating high-functioning teams.
• How to reframe adversity and turn it into your competitive advantage in business.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Special Guest Introduction: Iky Chan, Former Leader in a $12 Billion Multinational Tech Company
• [01:17] Iky’s Journey: From Engineering to Leadership and Making Work Not Suck
• [03:32] When Systems Fail: Real-life Examples of Corporate Dysfunction
• [05:57] Turning Around Dysfunctional Teams: Iky’s Strategy for Success
• [08:03] Invisible Systems: How to Identify and Fix Them in Your Organization
• [10:32] The Importance of Understanding Variability in Systems
• [13:06] The Concept of "Value-Driven" Work: How to Add Value in Any Role
• [19:07] The Relationship Between Pay, Value, and Career Growth
• [22:07] Overcoming Adversity: Iky’s Approach to Turning Challenges into Success
• [24:06] Iky’s Coaching and Training Business: How She Helps Others Thrive in Invisible Systems

About Our Guest:

Iky Chan is a certified brain-based coach, specializing in mindset coaching and systems thinking. Combining neuroscience with her vast experience in the tech industry, she helps individuals and businesses unlock their potential by thriving in invisible systems. Learn more about Iky and her work at ikychan.com.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by invisible systems or unsure how to add value in your role, this episode is for you! Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to make your work not suck—whether you're at the bottom of the ladder or leading a multinational team.