For any entrepreneur managing a team—or dreaming of building one—there’s a lot to learn from Sandy Lo, VP of Global Communications at Zoho. In a recent conversation, I spoke with Sandy to explore what it really means to lead a global team. From juggling time zones to building cultures of trust, Sandy offered honest, practical, and inspiring leadership insights every small business owner can learn from.

Leadership Across Borders

Zoho is one of the largest tech companies you may not hear about as often, but it’s got a massive global footprint. With that comes a unique challenge: managing a communications team spread across multiple countries, languages, and cultural backgrounds.

So how does Sandy manage that?

“The number one thing is to be willing to learn,” she said. Leading a global team isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about listening. Understanding how people from different backgrounds communicate and respond to feedback is essential. “Cultural differences, communication styles, even time zones—they all impact how we work.”

This willingness to learn doesn’t end with culture. Sandy emphasized that successful leadership also comes from around-the-clock availability—within reason. “I do sleep,” she laughed, “but the team knows I’ll always be there when they need me.”

Global Values, Local Voice

At Zoho, there are a few core values that never change—like a commitment to user privacy. But Sandy explained how those values are tailored to speak to local audiences.

“We have three tiers of messaging,” she said. “There’s the corporate-wide message—privacy, for example. Then we regionalize that message for Latin America, Europe, Asia. Finally, we localize it even further, sometimes down to specific states or cities.”

It’s a strategy Zoho calls “transnational localism.” Instead of forcing a single corporate narrative on everyone, they let local teams tell the story in ways that matter most to their communities.

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Managing Different Personalities

I asked Sandy to share how she handles the human side of leadership. What happens when two team members—one bubbly and energetic, the other quiet and reserved—clash in style?

Her answer was as empathetic as it was effective.

“It’s about creating opportunities for everyone to shine in their own way,” she explained. “Someone more reserved might need help building confidence, while someone more energetic might thrive in the spotlight. My job is to recognize that and make space for both.”

Sandy recalled something powerful Zoho’s CEO, Sridhar Vembu, told her during her interview: “If an employee is not succeeding, that’s our fault as managers.” That philosophy has shaped how she approaches every team member—as someone with a unique set of strengths just waiting to be unlocked. Sandy believes that fostering an environment where each individual can thrive not only benefits the team but also enhances the overall company culture. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, she ensures that every voice is heard and valued. This approach aligns with making customer success a priority, as a motivated team is better equipped to understand and meet client needs effectively. Sandy also draws inspiration from insights shared by Guy Raz on perseverance strategies, emphasizing that resilience is a crucial trait in both individual team members and the collective team dynamic. By cultivating a culture of persistence, she empowers her team to tackle challenges head-on and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. This mindset not only strengthens their capabilities but also reinforces the company’s commitment to excellence in customer success.

Time Management in a 24/7 World

When you lead a team across continents, time management becomes a superpower. But Sandy’s approach was refreshingly real.

“I multitask constantly,” she admitted. “I know that’s controversial, but for me, it works. The key is to keep reprioritizing. What’s urgent now? What can wait? I shift gears constantly.”

For entrepreneurs, this is a familiar balancing act. Sandy’s insight here reminds us that time management doesn’t have to look perfect—it just has to be flexible.

Helping Your Team Thrive in Their Zone of Genius

As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Sandy how she helps her team find and work within their zone of genius—that sweet spot where passion meets skill and productivity flows.

“The goal,” she said, “is to let people shine as themselves. Whether they’re loud or quiet, extroverted or introverted, I want their personality to shine through their work.”

She also offered one final gem: “No one should have to choose between personal responsibility and work. When people are happy in life, their work reflects that happiness.”

Final Thoughts for Entrepreneurs

Sandy Lo’s leadership style is a blend of empathy, strategy, and humility—qualities every small business owner can learn from. Whether you’re leading a team of two or twenty, across one city or five continents, the principles remain the same: By fostering an environment of trust and communication, leaders can inspire their teams to innovate and collaborate effectively. Embracing thought leadership benefits for small businesses allows owners to establish credibility and connect with their audience on a deeper level. Ultimately, these qualities empower leaders to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in today’s competitive landscape.

• Be willing to learn
• Customize your message for your audience
• Support every personality on your team
• Prioritize with flexibility
• Help your team discover their zone of genius

Leadership, at its best, isn’t about control—it’s about care. Sandy reminded us that great leaders don’t just build teams. They build people.

For more insights like this, visit ZoneofGenius.com—where entrepreneurs come to grow, lead, and thrive.