Empowering Transformation Through Leadership: Insights from Ryan Khalessi
In this edition of our "Leaders at Equinix" series, we are proud to spotlight Ryan Khalessi, Vice President of Business Operations at Equinix. Ryan’s journey with Equinix began as an intern in 2014. Over the past decade, he has made impactful contributions across IT, Customer Success, Product, Transformation, and as Chief of Staff to the CEO. Through his story, Ryan shares invaluable lessons, reflections, and his commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment and adaptability within his team.
Leadership Philosophy: Uplifting Others
When asked about the kind of leader he strives to be, Ryan shared, "I want to be the leader who empowers, uplifts, and supports—always a steady hand trusting others, guiding them forward, ready to catch them if they fall. I’ve been lucky that who I strive to be as a leader has been shaped by the leaders I’ve had at Equinix over the last decade.”
To better understand his leadership style, Ryan turned directly to his team for their perspectives. They described him as a dedicated problem solver who genuinely cares about the people he works with. “My team trusts that I always seek to do what is best for Equinix and our stakeholders – I’ll do the necessary and hard thing and strive to do it in the right way. They feel that I care equally about the outcome and how we achieve it,” he explained.
His team values his blend of direct feedback, focus on growth, and his belief in pairing hard work with shared laughter. While they admire his commitment to excellence, they joked about his occasional “very strong opinions on very small details and obscure topics.”
Navigating Pitfalls with Resilience
Despite his achievements, Ryan openly acknowledges that he faces self-doubt. “Every day in every role I’ve had is full of responsibilities I have never done before. It can feel overwhelming and frequently makes me feel insecure,” he admitted.
Ryan has learned to navigate these moments by being honest about doing something new, surrounding himself with talented teammates, actively listening, and trusting someone tasked him with this role for a reason. “Verbalizing that I am doing this for the first time reminds me that growth comes through discomfort,” he said.
Lessons in Leadership
One of Ryan’s most defining lessons in leadership came early in his career. He recounts a project where he prioritized technical implementation over change management, resulting in its eventual failure. "Even the best solution is ineffective if it isn’t adopted," Ryan remarked.
This experience highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with human adaptability. “Now, I always ask – how will this be received by its customers and stakeholders? A possible negative reaction should not make you shy away from doing something provocative and disruptive – it simply calls for deliberate execution,” he explained.
Integrity as a Cornerstone
Reflecting on the advice of a mentor, Ryan emphasized the importance of unwavering integrity in leadership. “Never compromise your integrity. Encourage debate and dissent of your ideas but never give reason to question your intent.”
Paraphrasing Lady Gaga, Ryan added, “Trust is like a mirror. You can fix it if it’s broken, but you’ll still see the crack in the reflection.”
Balancing Work and Wellness
Ryan candidly admits that achieving work-life balance remains a work in progress. However, he’s found that starting his day with a morning workout enhances his focus and decision-making abilities.
"Identify one positive catalyst in your day and protect it,” he advised. For leaders, Ryan emphasizes the importance of transparency in work habits, ensuring they align with realistic expectations for teams. “Leadership carries the privilege—and burden—of influencing others and sending cues, even when we don’t intend to.”
Ryan Khalessi’s journey from intern to senior leadership reflects his dedication to making an impact rooted in humanity, integrity, and adaptability.
Stay tuned for the next installment of "Leaders at Equinix: Empower, Elevate, & Evolve," as we continue exploring stories of transformational leadership.
I want to be the leader who empowers, uplifts, and supports.