This is the second in a series of blogs from Dataminr President and COO Brian Gumbel, where he shares the exciting journey he’s had since joining Dataminr, highlighting his work in creating a new company culture and paving the way for collaboration.
In my inaugural blog, Building Operational Excellence at Dataminr, I delved into the initial challenges we faced and the dynamic strategies we’re rolling out to drive operational excellence. Now, I’m turning the spotlight towards the journey of cultivating an open company culture and igniting collaboration across our teams.
A huge thank you to Dataminr CEO and Founder Ted Bailey, as well as our outstanding board, for championing this transformative approach to culture. Together, we’re not just evolving, we’re revolutionizing the way we work.
Creating a new company culture
Company culture has been a cornerstone of my leadership approach since the beginning of my career. I believe that an open, communicative environment is essential for fostering collaboration and innovation. When I joined Dataminr, I saw a real opportunity to take our company culture to the next level by introducing initiatives that emphasized not only collaboration and performance, but fun, inclusiveness and transparency.
One of the first things I prioritized was launching a series of go-to-market sessions. These were designed to bring our global teams together by offering a unified space to align on strategies and share best practices. Beyond that, I implemented regular sales calls that provide valuable insights, updates and key metrics, as well as a chance to highlight wins and discuss new training opportunities.
We foster a culture where ambition thrives and every achievement, big or small, is celebrated.
I incorporated “Gumbel Time”—my signature companywide calls, which act as a vehicle for me to communicate leadership objectives and outline the company’s direction while also providing space for interactive discussions.
Gumbel Time includes an AMA (ask me anything) section giving employees a platform to speak directly with me and to literally ask anything on their minds. I’ve even been asked, “Why on earth would I choose to live in New Hampshire rather than Vermont?” My response was cellphone connectivity. And of course I receive a myriad of questions related to the overall business and direction of the company. The reason I hold these calls is to ensure transparency and consistency throughout all levels of the organization.
Celebrating excellence: A culture of recognition and rewarding results
There is nothing more fulfilling to me than celebrating the remarkable achievements of our top performers through initiatives that truly honor their dedication and hard work. At Dataminr, I’ve had the privilege of launching enhancing programs like sales kickoffs and President’s Clubs, where our standout achievers shine in the spotlight, receiving well-deserved recognition and rewards for their exceptional contributions.
By acknowledging success in a vibrant and celebratory manner, we reinforce a powerful message: hard work leads to extraordinary outcomes. This celebration of achievement not only uplifts individuals, but also ignites a collective passion for excellence throughout our organization.
In this dynamic environment, where positivity and recognition intertwine, every team member feels valued and inspired to reach new heights. I am committed to ensuring that these rewards extend beyond the go-to-market team, enriching our entire organization with similar incentives and recognition programs. Together, we foster a culture where ambition thrives and every achievement, big or small, is celebrated.
Fostering fun
Throughout my career, I’ve come to realize that the “fun factor” is sometimes overlooked, yet it always plays a vital role in cultivating a positive and productive atmosphere. This is something I’m truly passionate about, and it’s become a hallmark of my leadership style. I believe that a workplace that is truly enjoyable and filled with encouragement can be a game changer—not just for team morale but also as a catalyst to achieve optimal results.
With this philosophy in mind, I create legendary sales kickoff events that not only deliver essential sales messaging but also promote peer learning and foster a deep sense of team loyalty. An unforgettable in-person sales kickoff can energize our teams and set the stage for an incredible year ahead.
Importance of in-person connections in a remote-first organization
Since 2020 and the shift to a post-COVID world, Dataminr has embraced a flexible approach to work, offering a perfect balance that caters to the needs of the company and of our employees. I fully support the remote-first model, but one drawback is that many employees, especially those in offices around the world, don’t often have the chance to meet in person. This can sometimes lead to a disconnect. Face-to-face interaction is important, so I’ve initiated social meet-ups for our employees, which have proven to be incredibly valuable.
Recently, during a social team gathering in London, I saw firsthand the impact of creating a social culture in a remote-first environment, when I witnessed something rather remarkable. I hosted about 50 EMEA employees for drinks, with a mix of new faces and long-standing team members, many of whom traveled from across the region. It was attendance optional and a chance for me to meet team members in person and for them to connect with each other.
The positivity and energy from that evening was electric! Multiple employees who had worked together for two plus years but had never met in person, met for the first time that evening. Witnessing them meet, it was clear to see their relationships immediately strengthen. I know from experience this will lead to enhanced collaboration that will be transported back to the home office.
These meet ups go beyond just socializing; they’re essential for building a sense of belonging and community. By facilitating these get-togethers, we’re creating opportunities for networking, relationship building and open conversations. I’ll be making them a regular feature for Dataminr in 2025.
