Derek Homer.
At Klarna, we can invent new ways to approach and solve problems.
Senior Delivery Lead - I coordinate complex, large scale software initiatives, enabling multiple teams and domains to deliver under challenging circumstances with high energy and focus.
My path.
I started out in 2016 supporting the delivery of single merchant integration (SMI), which was the gamechanger for merchants wanting to expand into more markets smoothly. Since we managed to achieve our delivery dates time and time again, I was eventually assigned to helping the Klarna App launch to schedule. It was the first time I'd worked with so many teams - more than 25 across the company, and it's now grown to nearly double that. It has taught me the value of clear, consistent - and quirky! - communications that keep our most ambitious, most complex initiatives on track, for Klarnauts and customers alike. And I’ve recently become a Competence Lead, which is great because I now get to share my successes to build and grow an enthusiastic team.
Working at Klarna.
Before coming to Klarna I helped teams prioritize one project at a time where we'd hand over the finished result to another team to release for us. Coming to Klarna gave me insights into working in a truly fast-paced, autonomous environment. Because teams self-manage, we can invent new ways to approach and solve problems without slow, bureaucratic meetings or sign off. We can move at breakneck speeds, fail fast without judgment, and move on. No day is the same as another, and every day is a new adventure. I love what I do, and I love who I do it for.
Something I’m unreasonably passionate about.
Technology, people, and success. Because we get to unlock things that we used to dream about only a few years ago, because every one of us is unique, and because anything is possible! I'm a crazy but firm believer that if something seems impossible, it's just because we haven't found a way yet.
A day in my life.
| AM | PM | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo: Currently on a 58-day streak for Swedish, and the key is getting it done first thing. | Hold a meeting: To update on status, clarify understandings, or resolve an issue. | Call a friend or family: relationships count! |
| Gym: One hour running, 30 mins resistance and if there's time... sauna! | Help someone: Somebody somewhere will ask me something about one of the ~45 teams I support. | Write or record a song: if I'm feeling creative... |
| Plan my day: they say "One hour of planning saves three hours of execution." | Pause and reflect: Ask myself what can I improve next. | Online gaming: shameless but economical escapism! |
3 takes on Klarna.
My favorite Leadership Principle is...
Start Small Learn Fast - it's the nirvana of product delivery: how can we achieve the most value with the minimum effort? And how can we do it faster?
The best task of the day is ..
the morning stand up: the opportunity to decide and declare what you want to achieve by the end of the day, and knowing that you have the power and drive to achieve it.
I’d describe my team as...
well, I have so many "teams". But they're all Klarna, so they're all awesome ;)