When Mark Hydar is looking to add a new member to Telesign’s product teams, the keyword he looks for is “speed.”
“I want to emphasize our commitment to working at an accelerated pace, delivering industry-leading digital identity and messaging solutions,” said Hydar, chief technology officer at Telesign. “Joining our first-class build organization means becoming part of a team that thrives in a fast-paced environment, constantly exceeding industry standards.”
As a fraud protection company, speed is vital to Telesign’s work. In 2023 there were 2,365 cyberattacks with 343,338,964 victims, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. This is a 72 percent increase compared to just two years before.
Hydar’s team is responsible for developing tools that can help businesses protect their customer’s identity; they also have to quickly and constantly upgrade Telesign’s tools to stay ahead of cyber threats.
“Under my leadership, we prioritize agility and efficiency, recognizing the dynamic nature of technology,” said Hydar. “Our commitment to excellence and speed is at the core of Telesign’s culture, offering a unique and impactful experience.”
To Hydar, working on the product team at Telesign comes with its own allure due to the pace and technical caliber at which the team works.
“I want to highlight the excitement and sense of achievement that comes with being part of a team consistently pushing boundaries, delivering top-notch solutions that set Telesign apart globally,” said Hydar.
Built In spoke with Hydar about his approach to leadership, team culture and what’s next for the Telesign team.
What’s your vision for leading your team?
I envision leading a team by fostering continuous improvement, collaboration and empowerment. I prioritize and optimize for team progression, emphasizing learning, growth and the ability to challenge and support one another. I believe in creating an environment where failure is recognized, learned from and used for evolution.
My team vision includes empowering individuals and teams through effective communication and alignment. Success is best achieved through cohesive teamwork and mutual trust. I value innovation and adaptability, anticipating and leading teams through changes while staying ahead of the curve.
I believe in promoting diversity and collaboration within leadership and recognizing the superior performance of diverse teams. I encourage active participation from employees at all levels, motivating them to surpass expectations and contribute their best ideas. Accountability and decision-making are key, focusing on principle-based decisions and tracking progress as a team. Ultimately, my leadership vision centers on creating a dynamic, collaborative and empowering environment that combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to growth and well-being.
How do you build team culture at Telesign?
I shape team culture by emphasizing continuous learning, collaboration and empowerment. At Telesign, this translates to an environment where individuals challenge and support one another, fostering a culture of growth and resilience. Failure is viewed as a learning opportunity, contributing to a dynamic atmosphere that values adaptability.
Effective communication and alignment are key components, with a focus on cohesive teamwork and trust in each team member. Diversity is celebrated, encouraging the sharing of ideas and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
“Failure is viewed as a learning opportunity, contributing to a dynamic atmosphere that values adaptability.”
Innovation and adaptability are integral to the culture, allowing for the modification of business models as needed. This approach aligns with the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the technology industry.
For me, this team culture is paramount due to the dynamic nature of this work in technology. It ensures the team remains agile, responsive to change and capable of creative problem-solving. This positive culture is foundational to navigating challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in the competitive technological landscape.
How do you help your team grow their careers at Telesign?
We foster the growth of our build team members’ careers by creating an empowering environment that values continuous learning and collaboration. By entrusting the management team with decision-making authority, it allows individuals to take ownership of their roles and develop leadership skills. Emphasizing inclusivity, we encourage idea-sharing across all levels, providing a platform for diverse perspectives and professional growth.
We are open to innovation and the adoption of new technologies, which enables team members to engage with cutting-edge tools, expanding their skill sets and staying current with industry trends. We are also willing to modify business models, which promotes adaptability, allowing team members to stretch their skills in response to evolving circumstances.
Recognition of individual contributions and support for professional development opportunities further contribute to a positive and motivating environment. In this way, I work to provide or unlock the tools and support necessary for our team members to thrive and advance their careers within the dynamic and competitive industry.
What is something exciting that you are currently working on with your team?
I am thrilled about our ongoing efforts to adopt scaled agile ways of working. This initiative promises to give our teams more autonomy and foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. By continuously improving how we leverage agile methodologies, we aim to enhance the quality and efficiency of our work across all teams, ultimately propelling us towards becoming an elite team.
Our focus on empowerment aligns perfectly with the agile framework, allowing team members to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the broader objectives. The inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued, is conducive to fostering innovation and staying at the forefront of industry trends.
“I am thrilled about our ongoing efforts to adopt scaled agile ways of working.”
This approach will act as the rocket fuel to elevate ourselves to new heights. With a focus on adaptability, quality improvement and efficiency gains, we are well-positioned to deliver leading-edge digital identity and messaging solutions. I am committed to supporting individual growth and recognizing contributions, which will set the stage for us to thrive in this dynamic and competitive landscape. Exciting times lie ahead as we navigate this journey towards excellence.
What is the employee value proposition for those thinking about joining Telesign?
Joining our team means becoming part of a dynamic, innovative culture where continuous learning and collaboration are paramount. Our emphasis on empowerment and recognizing individual contributions creates an environment where employees can challenge themselves, grow and take ownership of their roles.
Working at Telesign has a profound impact on one’s career. Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, coupled with a commitment to innovation, ensures a stimulating and creative work environment. The inclusive culture values diverse perspectives, fostering personal and professional development. Telesign’s focus on adaptability and embracing failure as a learning opportunity allows individuals to contribute to leading-edge digital identity and messaging solutions. Joining Telesign means a job and a rewarding career journey backed by a leadership style that invests in individual success and continuous growth.
Working at Telesign offers the chance to actively contribute to groundbreaking solutions, aligning with the world’s expectations for cutting-edge digital innovations. I encourage individuals to join us in contributing to our position as an industry leader, where every team member plays a crucial role in delivering solutions that go beyond expectations.
