In this edition of our "Leaders at Equinix" series, we are thrilled to spotlight Ferhan Gunen, Vice President, IBX Operations UK. Ferhan’s career began in the mobile industry as a network planning engineer, where she was responsible for designing network infrastructure in Istanbul. Over the years, she has transitioned into leadership roles that emphasize empowerment, development, and team dynamics. Through her story, Ferhan shares invaluable lessons, reflections, and her commitment to fostering a culture of care and growth within her team.
Leadership Philosophy: The Courage to Confront
When reflecting on her leadership journey, Ferhan shared, “The hardest leadership lesson I learned was that delaying a difficult conversation only makes things worse for all parties involved.” Early in her managerial career, she found herself hesitant to address performance issues directly. She preferred to delay those uncomfortable conversations, thinking it would spare everyone the discomfort.
But in reality, it only led to greater frustration for both the business and the individual. This lesson has profoundly impacted her approach to leadership today. Ferhan emphasizes the importance of timely and honest communication, understanding that addressing issues head-on fosters a healthier team dynamic and better outcomes.
Valuable Insights from Literature
When asked about the most impactful resource she has encountered, Ferhan highlighted Patrick Lencioni’s "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team."
“We read this book as a team ahead of a two-day workshop, and it was enlightening to go through the steps of evolution together,” she recalled. “It’s a book about fundamentals, and every time a team member changes, the dynamics recalibrate. I believe this book will always have a place in my library.” Ferhan appreciates how the book provides practical insights into team dynamics, making it an essential read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.
Lessons from Mentorship
Reflecting on her early career, Ferhan shared a pivotal moment with a mentor who shaped her understanding of integrity and decision-making. She was responsible for deciding where to build base stations in Istanbul, and a senior director wanted her to prioritize coverage near his home. Her manager advised her to trust her assessments and not be swayed by external pressures.
She told Ferhan, as long as you are doing the right thing and have the right intentions, you will be fine. This guidance instilled in Ferhan the importance of making decisions based on data and integrity, rather than succumbing to external noise. For her, doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult, brought her great satisfaction.
Team Dynamics and Legacy
When discussing her aspirations as a leader, Ferhan expressed her desire to be remembered as someone who “cares, empowers, and develops her team.” She believes that effective leadership goes beyond simply managing tasks; it involves creating an environment where team members feel valued and supported in their professional growth. Ferhan is committed to nurturing her team’s development by providing them with the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to excel.
This dedication to fostering a culture of empowerment is a defining characteristic of her leadership style, reflecting her belief that when individuals are given the opportunity to thrive, the entire team benefits. By prioritizing the growth and well-being of her team, Ferhan aims to cultivate a collaborative atmosphere where everyone can contribute their best work and achieve collective success.
Balancing Work and Wellness
In today’s flexible work environment, Ferhan emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries. “Unless there’s an incident or something urgent, I do not connect over the weekend. Sunday evenings are my prep time for the week, and I make it clear to my team that I don’t expect anyone to be working at that time,” she explained. Ferhan believes that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and productivity. Ferhan Gunen’s journey from network planning engineer to a leader at Equinix reflects her dedication to fostering a culture of care, integrity, and empowerment.
Stay tuned for the next installment of "Leaders at Equinix: Empower, Elevate, & Evolve" as we continue exploring stories of transformational leadership.