Waziri Garuba is the founder of Harlem Labs. Before starting Harlem Labs, Waziri spent almost a decade working at Wall Street firms Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. Currently, Waziri leads and advises corporate executives towards strategic moves to enhance the workplace. Since 2013, he has influenced many CEOs to be authentic with their employees, creating a relationship where the employee feels valued. In addition, Waziri gives us an intimate view of how you can thrive in your job. Tune in today to hear this enthusiastic, fast-moving conversation.
In This Episode:
[02:52] Waziri shares his educational and business background and his relationship with Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, and others who influenced his career
[16:49] Waziri explains why he choose Columbia Business School and describes his time on Wall Street
[25:05] Waziri speaks of himself as the Nigerian tech guy and what technology should accomplish
[39:46] What it’s like working with his wife in her business, Urban Root
[53:15] The importance of taking an earnest interest in others
[59:06] Waziri suggests books that a CEO should read
Key Takeaways:
Employees need to have authentic conversations with their bosses. You are not in the right job if you can’t have that relationship.
Work at a job that leaves you fulfilled at the end of the day. Your kids won’t remember your title, but they will remember the impact you make on them.
Managers who say they can’t keep talent are likely managers who don’t value their employees.
Waziri Garuba is the Founder and CEO of Harlem Labs, where he acts as the “Leader’s Sherpa” to the visionaries, initiators, and teams he has navigated through roadblocks for the past seven years.
His work with key leaders in organizations led him to focus on defining the right strategies for CEO’s and Executive decision-makers to maximize their impact on the audiences they serve. Before his role in strategic leadership advisory, Waziri spent almost a decade working at Wall Street firms Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.
He received his MBA at Columbia Business School in 2009. After business school, he worked as a consultant on projects in Las Vegas and Sao Paulo before eventually relocating to Austin, TX, where he launched his advisory firm in 2013. Waziri serves on the board of Fundr.AI, Columbia Business School’s African-American-Alumni-Association, and as an Advisor to the National Black MBA (Austin Chapter) and ManagementLeadership for Tomorrow (Southwest) leadership. In addition, Waziri keeps busy at home with a wife, a 7-year-old, and his 5-year-old twins.
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