Yesterday we’ve completed the setup of Vonage offices in Israel. When writing these lines I’m sitting on a high chair, overlooking the park and the Mediterranean Sea from the top floor of the Gamla Project. Behind me sits a very talented group of people , focused on creating new product(s), innovating and expressing themselves. Unlike past experiences I don’t need to look back to make sure it’s case – and that’s probably part of the learning experiences of the past months.

No doubt we have the best location, designed and equipped office in our area. Starting fresh is not easy, getting the office setup and hiring the right people is a long and tedious task – but rewarding once completed. Yet, it’s not about cool offices, getting fibers, video room or state-of-the-art equipment – It’s the DNA, the atmosphere – the people. Last week while witnessing the collaboration between the teams in Israel and US it dawned on me that we’re on the right track – the synergy, the assistance and above all the positive energy focused on creating regardless of titles, location, nationality or personal aspirations is what makes it different. It’s pure, and above all I’m happy with the R&D management we now have in place at both locations : mature, experienced, smart, innovative and co-operative. Management that doesn’t escalate but able to resolve issues and help each other, execute, mitigate stress and that’s my personal growth; learning from past mistakes.

At the same time I’m grateful for the support we got from upper management in getting to this point, the credit and leeway we received.

But we’re only starting and it is now time to execute. We have new targets, processes and all it takes to succeed – it’s now in our hands : success or failure is ours. I still have few heros on my shortlist to hire, more capacity to build and optimize, but that work never ends.

The engine is warm – now let’s have some fun

Amichay