For Kate Massey, scaling a global tech company wasn't just about hitting targets. It was about empowering her team, building trust, and delivering real value to customers.
When Kate joined Searchspring (now part of Athos Commerce), she didn't just take on a leadership role - she helped shape its future. Under her guidance, Searchspring transformed into one of the leading eCommerce solutions in the market, expanding its global reach and customer base.
In the latest episode of Beyond the Fold, StudioHawk's GM Lawrence Hitches sits down with Kate to talk about her journey from a C-Suite Marketer to General Manager at Athos Commerce, the leadership lessons she's learned along the way, and what it really takes to scale a global tech brand.
Discover Kate's journey and the lessons she's learned along the way:
- The Catalyst Behind Kate's Leadership Journey
- Putting Customers at the Centre of Growth
- Empowering Teams Through Trust and Ownership
- Driving Success Through Testing and Innovation
- Rebranding for Global Impact: The Athos Commerce Evolution
The Moment That Sparked Kate's Leadership Journey
Kate's career trajectory wasn't part of a grand plan, but rather shaped by moments of opportunity. After starting in marketing management, Kate's focus quickly turned to leadership as she realised the impact of her work on a larger scale.
"Marketing is very much around influence, whether that's with customers, whether that's with potential customers, but also internally," Kate says. "And how you do influence internally to bring campaigns and ideas to life - that's what really shaped the leader I am today."
When she moved into senior roles, including Chief Marketing Officer, the importance of leading through influence became clear. Her ability to rally and drive change was essential when she joined what was then called Searchspring in a transformative period.
Kate saw the opportunity to not just manage but to shape the brand's future. Her leadership wasn't just about following the status quo; it was about creating new opportunities in the fast-growing eCommerce tech space.
Building a Culture of Trust and Empowerment
As the company grew, so did Kate's leadership philosophy. Trust and empowerment became the cornerstone of her leadership approach. As the team grew from a handful of people to 22 in the region, Kate shifted closely from overseeing day-to-day operations to fostering an environment where her team could take ownership and thrive independently.
"When you trust your team and give them the autonomy to make decisions, that's when you start seeing real innovation," she shares.
Kate's approach is clear: by empowering her team, she cultivates a culture of innovation and drives growth in a competitive market.
The Importance of Testing and Optimisation in Scaling Fast
Kate's success in scaling Searchspring wasn't just about leadership and culture; it was also about data-driven decision-making. Under her leadership, Searchspring embraced a culture of testing and optimisation as a critical strategy for growth.
"We were always testing," Kate recalls. "From product feeds to customer engagement strategies, testing gave us the insights we needed to scale fast and stay ahead of the competition."
This culture of constant refinement led to improved customer experiences, enhanced product offerings, and increased conversions. It's this commitment to data and optimisation that continues to fuel their growth today.
How the Athos Commerce Rebrand Opened New Opportunties
A defining moment Kate's leadership was the rebrand of Searchspring to Athos Commerce. For Kate, it was more than just a name; it was about bringing all of their solutions together under one umbrella and strengthening their global presence.
"The rebrand was a reflection of where we were going as a business," says Kate. "We wanted to unify our technologies and deliver a more powerful, integrated platforms for our clients."
This rebrand set the stage for global expansion and gave the company a fresh identity that aligned with their forward-thinking vision. By uniting Searchspring, Klevu, and Intelligent Reach into one platform, Athos Commerce positioned itself as a global leader in eCommerce strategy.
As Kate explains, "We wanted to bring everything together, deliver a unified solution, and take the company into the future."
Final Word
Kate Massey's journey at Athos Commerce is a testament to the power of leadership, customer-centricity, and a commitment to constant learning. Her story is a powerful reminder that scaling a tech company isn't just about hitting numbers; it's about empowering people, making data-driven decisions, and leading with trust.
Her advice to today's leaders? "Focus on your team and your customers. Lead with purpose, test everything, and always be ready to adapt."
Listen to the full episode with Kate Massey on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or right here on the StudioHawk website.
