What makes Aire different?
I have worked with many different startups and SME’s as a consultant over the last few years. Every single one is different. Tackling the same problems inevitably, but each and every one has it’s only certain way of ‘being’ as an organisation. Aire, however, is quite unique.
I help Tech startups scale and that’s what I have been doing with Aire over the last few months. To do this, one of the first things I always try to identify in an organisation, is what makes them tick. Why are people going to not only want to join them, but most importantly want to stay. In a nutshell, what makes them different? What’s their DNA? The culture of the company is what truly defines it.
Aire has a very clear manifesto when it comes to people. I was instantly grabbed by this when I met Aneesh Varma, Aire’s CEO and founder, for the first time back in 2016. He talked to me, passionately, about what he saw as the three most important pillars of his business; People, Product, Partners. Fast track to September 2018 and I’m now an extremely happy member of the Aire team. I went back to our first conversation and asked Aneesh to tell me more about his philosophy on how he was building and leading Aire…
‘Our product is so human focused. We couldn’t build our business any other way, than to put people at the heart of what we do and how we operate’ Aneesh tells me.
It’s one thing to say something like this, it’s another to do it. Companies can be very good at wearing slogans, culture and mission statements on their sleeves to entice talent, but not always so good at living it. The sense of purpose, a genuine care and passion for people is ingrained in the Aire culture. It comes from the top down and manifests across the company. Aire truly strives, from a product perspective, to make the world a fairer and better place.
What does that mean for people on the inside though? Being a ‘good’ organisation, doesn’t always translate for the employees. People are at the heart of Aire and it shows. You feel it the minute you walk through the door. Not in an overcooked, fake, manufactured way, but in a very genuine, laid-back and humble way. Humility is a word that springs to mind. There is a unique feeling here, however a feeling is hard to describe and put clearly into words. I’ll have a go…
First up! Aire is the first (and only) company I have ever first-hand encountered, that draws an analogy between its culture, to that of a tree, a Bonsai Tree. There is a book dedicated to this (adorable right!!). Everyone receives a signed book by the team on their first day. The idea of living, breathing, growing and nurturing a culture, is the ‘Aire way’. It’s striking. A company that sees itself as a living breathing organism, not just an organisation. It’s as extraordinary, as it is powerful.
Then as I talk to people across the company, many things unfold. People talk about a whole range of qualities, that they have noticed sets Aire apart from other companies they have been employed by before:
- Open-mindedness and approachability of leadership comes from everyone, unanimously
- Opportunity for team ownership of problems and a collective autonomy
- A deep sense of caring, openness and responsibility from everyone in every team and department
- Acceptance of everyone, foibles and all, people can bring their whole selves to work
- Thoroughness and diligence in everything we do
- Opportunity to learn and not be judged on one’s skills only. People are hired for what they can contribute to Aire, as a person, as a team member
The list goes on. Aire fosters a very non judgemental culture, which is very much in balance with how they look at their mission in society, to offer better, fairer, ways of assessing people’s credit worthiness. It’s this inclusive, respectful mindset that makes coming into the office a pleasure. It makes for a relaxed working environment, which means you get to focus on what’s important.
It’s not to say there aren’t challenges. Aire is still a young company, determined to make a positive and big change in finance. It’s no small task and we’re working in a world of unknowns. Finding a way forward and cracking this enormous task is not just one person’s job, everyone is forging ahead together. There is a strong belief that we are better together, a truly collective spirit, which is rare. Egos and heroes are not the way it works here. This is not to say we don’t celebrate successes and recognise individual contribution. We love to celebrate…especially if it involves cake. Recognition is constantly being passed and shared amongst the team. This collective, cohesive and appreciative approach is paying off. Aire’s making some serious progress, but there’s a long road ahead. No doubt there will be a few bumps along the way, however the team seems ready and able to meet and get over any obstacle they meet.
What is happening here might not be revolutionary (or maybe quietly and humbly it could be..?), but it is, for certain, rare in the startup world and this makes Aire a very special place. To go back to my earlier question, what’s Aire’s DNA?…..It’s easy, it’s embracing individuality and finding the common goal.
If Aire sounds like your kind of place and you’re keen to explore opportunities with us, take a look at our careers page https://aire.io/careers/, or drop us an email at talent@aire.io, we’d love to hear from you!
