In this episode, Humaans’ CEO Giovanni Luperti sits down with Libby Penn, former COO at Improbable, to delve into the intricacies of scaling startups into global organizations. Libby shares her experiences growing teams from 40 to 400, the importance of building high-performing teams, and navigating the unique challenges of operating in the defense sector. The discussion covers critical topics such as managing ambiguity in fast-paced environments, retaining talent density while scaling, and fostering a values-driven culture that aligns with both organizational goals and shareholder expectations. Libby also reflects on the complexities of leadership transitions, the role of COOs in scaling businesses, and the lessons learned from working across the UK and US markets.