My Mind Bending Experiences with No Moss — by Kellie Starr

‘ This CAN’T be for Real? — companies like this don’t exist!!’ was my out loud reaction when I first came across the No Moss ad for an Agile Coach on LinkedIn.

‘ Our Purpose is our People’s Purpose’ was what struck me. Then as my curiosity grew and the stalking phase started, more weird words: ‘ Radical Transparency’, ‘ Ecosystem’ and ‘ Ungoogleable ‘. Yeah — right! The curiosity cat got the better of me… I applied! I was blown away with the first phone interview and learnt that there was a very small possibility my reaction was biased (shock, horror!).

I had just notched up 17 years with one of the Big 4 Banks — I knew how this industry worked and I had seen A LOT of Consultancy Companies. Surely this could not be true!I would also learn that considering the possibility that I might be biased would not be the only mind-bending experience (MBE) I would have with No Moss.

MBE №1 — The interview process — It was extensive, but this was due to the need for No Moss to protect their Culture. I understand and very much appreciate that, now. This is what sets No Moss apart! One theme was prevalent through every interaction with them — Be prepared to learn and love it!

MBE -№2 — Money or Purpose — Needless to say, I made it through the interview process, they liked me — they actually liked me!! (Cue Sally Fields at the Oscars!) — but the ball was in my court. In my search for a new position, I had discovered that in the world outside of a big institution, my skills were not only valuable but lucrative. I had a choice — money or purpose. Of course, I thought I had a head start — I am an ‘Agile Coach’ — Growth mindset is my friend and with full knowledge that following your purpose requires grit, a commitment to learn, unlearn and constant assessment of yourself — I chose Purpose.

MBE №3 — The Great Unlearning (s) (so far) — I learnt how very ‘institutionalised’ my mind had become — and how ‘REAL’ No Moss, really was. Some examples include:

• “We have to check with the Boss” became “Let’s tell him what we are doing, if he doesn’t like it, he’ll tell us”.
• Feedback is genuine and straight-up and delivered with positive intent — it might sting, but it is for your own good!
• Don’t say ‘Yes’ to everything — I did say Yes, a lot! (like the good little ‘Banker’ I was, trying to impress)
• My manager picked up that I said ‘I have to check my capacity’ more than 3 times. He scheduled a meeting, went through my workload and discovered I was trying to do too much and was at risk of burning out. The outcome, I dropped a number of things and avoided the far too familiar ‘Burnout’ of my previous life.
• “Learn to say No” — was in a message from the CPO… I had to read it 3 times!

Opportunities are thrown at you — no need to work yourself to the bone, they already believe in you. They just want you to put all your good things to good use!

MBE №4 — The Care Factor — No Mosser’s don’t ask — “How are you?” They ask “How are you Feeling?” — and they mean it!

Early on, a slackbot survey came out — from 1–7 how are you feeling — I had just had a, let’s say, ‘large learning experience’ and was feeling a 4.

Shortly after the Managing Director messaged me — “What’s up Kellie? I saw your survey post and wanted to check in that all was well” — He let me vent, let me know it was ok and offered any support he could.

They also check in after meetings and stand ups! Go figure! — the 1st Debriefing question — How do you feel?

MBE №5 — Human Potential Coach — Kind of like a personal development coach; to help unblock you from whatever is standing in your way to fully reach your potential. Having this support has been amazing for me. We’ve gone over everything from imposter syndrome -to my fear of disappointing — right through to how crap is ‘COVID lockdown’.

MBE №6 — Unexpected Humble-lings — During the recent Lockdown №4 for Melbourne, during a company ‘All-Hands’ our CPO asked, “What can we do for our Melbournites — what can we do to make it better?” Silence followed…

I jokingly piped up (funny voice and everything!): “Alcohol and Sugar”

“Well, I can’t, in good conscience send you the alcohol, but I can help with the sugar” He replied, “I will send you all something — tonight”.

We Laughed — this was a 4pm meeting — my cynical mind went straight to ‘but it’s too late’… and then later that evening, a surprise all landed on our doorsteps. The CPO was for REAL! I was humbled that he would take his own time, to send 10 of us something to brighten our day.

These are just some of the instances, where No moss has ‘Blown my mind’ — So, was my opinion biased? — Absolutely!

Originally published at https://nomoss.co by Kellie Starr on August 26, 2021.