As the ‘future of work’ becomes the ‘now of work,’ being agile is more important than ever. Agility means being nimble in thought and action, ready to surf the waves of constant change. For leaders, being agile is a key to evolving your way to success.
Originally known in software development circles, the concept of “agile” has been adopted in leadership circles. Agile leadership is a driving force behind innovation, growth, and resilience. Yet, this kind of agile leadership is easier said than done. According to DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast, only 40% of leaders rate the quality of their organization’s leaders as very good or excellent. If that wasn’t enough, only 32% of employees trust senior leaders at their organization to do what’s right.
This lack of confidence correlates with a lack of competence. Gallup has found that companies with engaged employees—a product of effective leadership—are 23% more profitable than their disengaged counterparts. These numbers highlight a critical truth: exceptional agile leadership is not optional—it’s essential.
For a leader who aspires to stand out, it’s helpful to find successful leaders as role models who leave clues as what to do. One such agile role model is Lior Pozin, the 29-year-old co-founder and CEO of AutoDS, an all-in-one dropshipping automation platform that has disrupted the e-commerce industry. From humble beginnings in Beer Sheva, Israel- Pozin, the son of a grocery store employee and an air-conditioning technician—transformed a teenage side hustle into a global business that processes over $200 million in transactions annually. AutoDS now boasts 150+ employees, and in July 2024, it was acquired by the online marketplace giant Fiverr. All of this was achieved without a single dollar of outside investment.
What can leaders learn from Pozin’s journey? How does one create an environment where teams thrive, innovation flourishes, and goals are not just met but surpassed? Pozin sat down and shared five keys he’s learned in the process of growing AutoDS to where it is today.
1. Vision Is Everything—But It Evolves
Pozin’s leadership journey began as an experiment. At just 14, he discovered dropshipping before the term was even widely recognized. He noticed cellphones listed on eBay for a higher price than those on Chinese wholesale websites. With little more than an idea and determination, he started selling online, making his first sale within hours.
“A clear vision provides direction and purpose,” Pozin explains. “But I’ve learned that vision isn’t static. It has to evolve with market trends, customer feedback, and the reality on the ground.”
For leaders, the lesson is clear: Your vision is the North Star, but it needs regular recalibration. Pozin suggests that you regularly revisit your vision—at least quarterly. Ask yourself: “Does this still align with the market, our customers, and our growth goals?” Share this vision transparently with your team to ensure alignment.
Pozin’s ability to communicate a compelling and adaptive vision has been critical to AutoDS’s success, fostering a culture where everyone understands the “why” behind the work.
2. Create a Culture of Innovation by Encouraging Calculated Risk
One of Pozin’s biggest leadership lessons came during a pivotal moment for AutoDS. Initially, much of the company’s marketing focused on performance-driven strategies like ads. However, recognizing shifts in the market, Pozin decided to pivot toward influencer partnerships and SEO—a strategy that required trust, innovation, and experimentation.
“Calculated risks and experimentation are the backbone of innovation,” Pozin says. “We learned that if you don’t give your team permission to test ideas—and occasionally fail—you’ll never discover what truly works.” At AutoDS, employees are encouraged to bring bold ideas to the table. Whether they succeed or fail, the emphasis is on learning and improvement.
Pozin suggests that you build an environment where experimentation is celebrated, not punished. When projects fail, treat them as learning opportunities. Ask: “What did we learn? How can we improve?” Appreciate employees who step up and take action, even when outcomes are less than ideal. Doing so will create a workplace culture that thrives on creativity, where innovation isn’t just a buzzword but a lived reality.
3. Empower Your People Through Coaching and Growth Opportunities
Pozin understands that leadership is not about doing everything yourself. “You can’t scale a company on your own,” he says. Pozin stresses the importance of creating a team that has the right mix of skills, confidence, and a shared commitment to your mission.
This mindset has made employee development a cornerstone of AutoDS’s strategy. The company invests in regular training programs, one-on-one coaching, and opportunities for growth. Employees aren’t just given tasks—they’re equipped with the tools and guidance to excel.
For Pozin, the connection between empowered employees and customer success is clear. When team members feel trusted, valued, and capable, their motivation translates directly into better customer service and stronger results.
To put empowerment into action, Pozin suggests prioritizing employee development. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to provide coaching and feedback. Invest in training programs that address both technical skills and leadership development. By empowering your people, you empower your entire organization.
4. Foster Open Communication and Transparency
Pozin’s leadership style revolves around trust, and trust begins with communication. At AutoDS, transparency is not an afterthought but a core principle. Whether sharing updates on company goals, challenges, or successes, Pozin ensures that the entire team is kept in the loop.
“Open communication builds trust, alignment, and accountability,” he explains. Trust is a key to creating psychological safety, an essential ingredient in high-performing teams. This leads to increase engagement and motivation.
Transparency also extends to listening. Pozin emphasizes the importance of being approachable and receptive to employee feedback. To foster open communication, Pozin suggests that you hold regular team meetings to share updates on company goals and performance. Encourage feedback through surveys or open forums. Make sure communication flows in both directions—leaders need to listen as much as they talk.
5. Lead By Example—Show, Don’t Just Tell
Pozin leads with humility and action, and his story reflects his principles. He began as a solo entrepreneur managing every aspect of his dropshipping business, eventually coding the first version of what would become AutoDS himself. This willingness to get his hands dirty has set the tone for his team.
“Leadership is as much about listening as it is about directing,” Pozin reflects. “Your team takes cues from you. If you want a culture of innovation, transparency, and hard work, you need to model those values every day.”
For leaders, actions often speak louder than words. Demonstrating the behaviors you expect from your team creates a ripple effect, fostering accountability and trust. Pozin suggests that you recognize that in your role as leader, you serve as a role model. Be the example your team needs. Show up consistently, demonstrate transparency, and take ownership of challenges. Employees are far more likely to adopt behaviors they see in their leaders.
Leadership Fuels Results
Lior Pozin’s journey from a small town in Israel to leading a thriving company is a testament to what’s possible when leadership is intentional, adaptive, and people-focused. His approach—anchored in vision, innovation, employee empowerment, and trust—offers actionable lessons for leaders in any industry.
Here are his key agile takeaways:
- Revisit and refine your vision regularly—then share it with clarity.
- Build a culture that encourages experimentation and calculated risk.
- Invest in your people through coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities.
- Foster open communication.
- Model the values you want to see in your team.
In a world where leadership gaps remain a persistent challenge, Pozin’s success offers inspiration. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowering others to achieve more than they thought possible. Agile leadership offers five keys to evolve your way to success. By adopting these principles, any leader can drive innovation, foster engagement, and build a thriving, future-ready organization.