“At the end of the day, I believe being an honest, people-minded leader who wants to build the best teams while also fostering deep relationships is key to a healthy team,” asserts John Jae Woo Lee, rising star in the tech industry.
As a Senior Engineering Manager at Chainlink Labs, John has quickly made a name for himself, earning recognition as one of Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” and an AHN Hunsung Heroes 50 Under 50 Recipient. His journey into the world of cryptocurrencies began during his university years, sparked by an introduction to NiceHash.
His passion for blockchain technology stems from his belief in its potential to revolutionize global financial systems and reduce regulatory constraints. This vision drives his work at Chainlink Labs, where he combines technical expertise with a people-first leadership approach.
“I saw an opportunity to leverage my technical skills while empowering others to excel,” John explains. His leadership style focuses on fostering collaboration and collective achievement, creating an environment where team members can thrive and contribute to shared success.
Beyond the office, John channels his energy into triathlons and ultrarunning, viewing these challenges as opportunities for personal growth and inspiration. This holistic approach to life reflects in his professional ethos, where he strives to make a positive impact both in his work and the wider community.
Let us learn more about his journey:
From Gaming to the Corporate World
John’s leadership style has been shaped by a range of experiences, both personal and professional.
As a young boy, he honed his skills by managing an elite 40-person raiding guild in World of Warcraft, where he learned valuable lessons about group dynamics, coaching, mentoring, and positioning people to achieve common goals.
Later, his first manager taught him the principles of servant leadership, which he continues to model today. Throughout his career, he has encountered both good and bad managers, but he firmly believes that being an honest, people-minded leader who builds the best teams while fostering deep relationships is key to a healthy team and most importantly being a leader with strong moral values and to be a role model.
These experiences have molded him into the effective and compassionate leader he is today, in which he has led engineering teams of all shapes and sizes to grow, deliver, and make wide impact.
Education and Early Career Choices
Upon entering university, John harbored dreams of competing for the Olympic wrestling team, fueled by his deep passion for the sport and an intense competitive spirit. However, a significant shoulder injury compelled him to reassess his aspirations.
During the latter part of his high school years, John shifted his focus toward academics and began to explore a variety of interests. He delved into PC gaming, computer building, debate, environmental studies, and psychology. When the time came to select a university, he applied to several institutions, each offering diverse academic programs.
Ultimately, John chose to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he pursued a major in Computer Engineering and Minors in Applied Mathematics and Group Psychology. John also became a leader on campus, becoming President of his dorms, the Korean American Student Association, founding Sigma Phi Delta, and also being a student athlete on the Club Triathlon Team.
Essential Qualities of a Successful Leader
John posits that empathy and emotional intelligence are vital attributes for effective leadership. He highlights that the capacity to understand and connect with each team member cultivates strong relationships and establishes trust within the group.
By prioritizing these qualities, a leader can nurture a positive work environment that promotes collaboration and open communication. John asserts that leaders who exhibit empathy not only boost team morale but also enhance overall performance, ultimately driving the organization’s success.
A Balanced Life
John strikes a healthy equilibrium between his career and personal life by immersing himself in triathlon and ultra-running. These passions provide him with a structured routine and clear objectives to pursue, anchoring him amidst the demands of his work.
Moreover, John recognizes the importance of physical exercise from training for his overall well-being, as it contributes to his fitness and happiness. This dedication to his personal interests allows him to recharge and brings a sense of fulfillment that complements his professional responsibilities.
Influential Role Models: John Jae Woo Lee’s Parents
John credits his parents as his primary role models, having immigrated from South Korea to provide a better life for him and his sisters in the United States.
Arriving with limited resources, his father pursued an MBA while both parents worked tirelessly to support the family. Their dedication and resilience instilled in him a profound sense of pride and responsibility.
Their sacrifices motivated him to excel in his passions and strive for success, directing his work ethic and commitment to achieving his goals in both his personal and professional lives.
The Birth of “What Drives John”
In 2015, John embraced the nickname “What Drives John” during a conversation with a close friend about personal branding. He recognized that his interests were diverse, covering his career in tech, ultra-running, streaming video games, and tackling 24-hour obstacle course races.
Instead of confining himself to a single niche, he opted to celebrate this eclectic mix of passions. The nickname embodies his multifaceted personality and symbolizes the various pursuits that inspire him, highlighting his dedication to exploring different avenues in both his personal and professional lives.
A Defining Moment in Leadership
In a pivotal moment of his career, John and his team faced a critical deadline while working at a startup. They needed to complete a vital feature by Christmas to secure funding and establish a partnership. As the pressure mounted and the situation appeared daunting, he recognized that the team required a strong voice to motivate and guide them through the challenges. This realization compelled him to assume greater responsibility, leading efforts to strategically plan and rally the team.
Through late nights and perseverance in overcoming obstacles, they successfully met the launch deadline and secured the partnership. This experience not only solidified John’s potential as a leader but also reinforced his commitment to supporting and inspiring his team in high-pressure situations, shaping his approach to leadership in the years that followed.
Cultivating an Inclusive Engineering Culture
John is committed to nurturing an inclusive engineering culture within his teams, ensuring that every member has a voice and a place at the table. He believes that great ideas can emerge from anyone, regardless of their experience level.
To achieve this, he actively encourages open discussions and creates opportunities for all team members to share their thoughts and insights. Aware of the tendency to rely on senior engineers, which can inadvertently marginalize junior members, he promotes an environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Through this approach, he cultivates innovation and collaboration within his teams.
Approach to Management
John acknowledges a leadership style that emphasizes empowerment and autonomy in his interactions with fellow managers. He prioritizes coaching and mentoring, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills to guide their teams effectively.
This approach not only nurtures their professional development but also cultivates a sense of independence within their leadership roles.
Acknowledgment and Aspiration
John is honored to be recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Nominee and an AHN Unsung Heroes 50 Under 50 Recipient, appreciating the acknowledgment among such an accomplished group. However, he believes that the true key to advancing his career lies in his dedication to building inclusive teams and delivering tangible results.
While these accolades enhance his personal brand, John focuses on leveraging them to strengthen his professional network and foster meaningful connections. He sees these recognitions as opportunities to amplify his impact within the industry and contribute to the success of his teams.
John’s Transition from Technical Role to Leadership
Motivated by a desire to achieve more significant objectives, John sought to transition from a technical role to a leadership position. He understood that, while he excelled as an engineer, true success required the collaboration of a cohesive team united by shared values and goals.
John believed that by cultivating an aligned and motivated team, he could attain results that far exceeded what could be accomplished alone.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
John aspires to have played a significant role in his teammates’ careers, envisioning a future where he hears them say, “Wow, John was a great manager who motivated me to achieve greater things beyond myself.”
His dedication to creating a supportive and encouraging environment reflects his deep commitment to leaving a lasting impact on those around him.
Aspirations for the Future
John’s future aspirations reflect a harmonious blend of professional ambition and personal fulfillment.
In his career, he envisions himself evolving into a formidable technology executive, actively seeking opportunities in venture capital, consulting, or perhaps even launching his own enterprise.
On a personal level, John is ready to embrace the exciting new chapter of his life as he enters his 30s. He eagerly anticipates pursuing shared dreams with his partner, including the joys of starting a family and rescuing a dog.
Moreover, John is determined to deepen his commitment to ultrarunning, setting his sights on the ambitious challenge of completing the Tahoe 200, a grueling five-day race around the breathtaking rim of Lake Tahoe.
Mentoring and Kindness: The Keys to Success
John imparts invaluable wisdom to young aspirants, urging them to acknowledge the guidance of senior mentors. Whether it be managers or peers, he emphasizes the importance of leveraging these experienced individuals to navigate the complexities of their careers.
However, his advice extends beyond mere professional development. He stresses the significance of humility and kindness, encouraging young professionals to treat others with the utmost respect. By stimulating an environment of mutual understanding and support, he believes that individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.
Interestingly, John’s dreams extend beyond the confines of the corporate world. After retirement, he envisions a life dedicated to rescuing as many dogs as possible on a serene farm, an example of his compassionate nature and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
