Strategy is an integral part of any business. It helps bring leadership and direction to various projects, as well as order to the distribution of content and information. Chief Strategy Officers are responsible for creating a company’s vision, communicating the plan with all those involved, executing the business initiatives and sustaining implementation efforts.

Dustin Neufeld is Hippo’s CSO, and his role has evolved over the time he has worked with the company, becoming more internally focused.

“My role at Hippo revolves around our team, strategy and execution,” says Dustin.

“The objective is to ensure that we’ve got the right people doing the right things at the right time.” 

Dustin believes that in order for a business to function well externally, there must first be inner cohesion. 

“When the team brought me in initially, the priority was business development and acquisition – Being a part of a start-up ultimately led to the need for innovation and initiative,” says Dustin.

“By applying Hippo’s framework of building systems and outsourcing many aspects of the business, my role quickly evolved into project management, and soon thereafter, positioned as chief strategist.”

As his position developed, Dustin introduced new measures to maintain the company’s growth and structure. Technology has played a large role in the business progression and Dustin’s personal evolution. 

“It has been big for us, by leveraging automation, software and technology we’ve been able to cut out a lot of the legwork for our teams both in-house and offshore. This saw everyone graduate into more purposeful, satisfying work,” says Dustin. 

“It’s really allowed us to align as a group and streamline our activities.” 

Technology is a necessary tool to invest in, especially for new businesses. It may appear intimidating, but Dustin believes it to be a core part of beginning anything new, from projects to companies. 

“When starting a new project, my advice is pretty simple: jump straight in – Have a plan, great people and systems to support you, then take the leap,” says Dustin. 

“The faster you take action, the better. And ultimately, when you chase perfection, you find yourself wasting a lot of time on things that may end up not working out anyways. So, take action, learn, readjust, and apply.”

This is not just Dustin’s approach to new projects, but also his leadership style. He is prepared to dive in and help everyone adjust, with a specific focus on comradery. 

“For me, a lot of my energy is focused on team synergy,” says Dustin.

“I think a healthy team free of politics and confusion helps everyone make better decisions, align and execute on a common mission.”

“Also, being a model of our values, fostering collaboration and encouraging others to challenge themselves and the process makes it possible for everyone to perform at their best. 

Motivation plays a large role in leadership, and Dustin’s approach to inspiring others aligns with his current role as an internally focused strategist. 

“A structured rhythm of communication across the entire team is essential. Regular meetings, purposeful agendas, and detailed action items can really boost motivation, and create clarity around our vision and our mission as a company,” says Dustin.

“A winning environment is where people feel confident making both autonomous decisions and collaborating with those around them.”

Dustin turned what he learned from his mentors into methods to enhance his own leadership skills in this way. He believes that mentors are how good leaders emerge. 

“I’m very fortunate in having a council of mentors in the four Hippo directors,” says Dustin. 

“Their purposes are perfect examples of what successful leaders should look like. Ultimately, they all have their own unique genius, but what they have in common is discipline, passion, and a strong appetite for learning and action.

“I think great leaders are always on the hunt for better ways of doing things and ways to improve. They’re incredibly resourceful in attacking issues and making it happen without hesitation.”

This is the sort of leadership Dustin has learned from and aspires towards. As he gains more responsibilities within Hippo his role will no doubt expand, allowing him to show off his abilities as Chief Strategy Officer.