What does it take to build high-performing teams in today’s product and tech landscape - and how do you keep your own leadership evolving in the process?

In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon McKechnie, Managing Director at MBN Solutions, is joined by Adriana Ignat - a Pproduct Management and Design leader and an AI specialist, whose career includes more than a decade at Google and roles leading product innovation in high-growth, data rich M&A-driven environments.

From her early days as an apprentice in Poland to shaping Google’s presence in Romania, Adriana brings depth, humility, and sharp insight into what it really means to lead in the modern workplace.

This is not a conversation about titles or frameworks. It’s about the inner work of leadership, and what it takes to build capability that lasts.

In this episode, Adriana shares:

• What more than a decade at Google taught her about product, leadership and herself
• Why your team’s strength should never rely on your presence in the room
• The “Jenga Tower” model of talent development and how it transforms how you lead
• Why being a great individual contributor is still essential, even when you lead
• How to spot genuine capability in the age of AI-generated CVs
• Imposter syndrome in leadership and how to work through it

Disclaimer: The views expressed by Adriana Ignat in this episode are her own and do not reflect those of her current or former employers.

Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:

Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.

MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.

Connect with Adriana Ignat on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianaignat/

For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:

Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com

Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com