Oura CEO says he will 'lurk' in Slack channels, because it keeps him visible

In the realm of executive leadership, styles can greatly differ. While some CEOs opt for a hands-on approach, actively communicating through town halls and memos, others prefer a more reserved style focused on observation. Tom Hale, the CEO of Oura, exemplifies this quieter leadership method, particularly when in-person interactions are limited. Hale has taken to 'lurking' in employee Slack channels to maintain a connection with his team. He mentioned that although he cannot visit every office, he can still engage with employees by observing discussions and acknowledging outstanding work. "I can kind of lurk in your Slack chat, and if I see some really great work, I'm going to comment directly right on that," he stated during a recent episode of Sequoia Capital's podcast. This approach, according to Hale, offers valuable lessons for other executives. By staying attuned to various levels of the organization and providing feedback—whether it’s a compliment or a suggestion—leaders can foster an environment where ideas flow more freely. He emphasized that communication should be a two-way street, allowing employees to challenge him as well. "Creating a non-hierarchical culture that isn’t constrained by time, geography, or role is really powerful," he remarked. Founded in 2013, Oura is known for its health-tracking ring, which has become a discreet trend within Silicon Valley. The company has grown to employ over 900 staff members and recently achieved an impressive valuation of $11 billion following a $900 million Series E funding round. Tom Hale, who took over as CEO in 2022, brings with him over 20 years of expertise in the tech sector. His career began at Macromedia, which later became part of Adobe, and he has held significant roles at companies such as Linden Lab, HomeAway, and Momentive-AI. Oura has yet to respond to inquiries from Business Insider regarding Hale's leadership approach.