331 - Scaling Success: The Role of Delegation and Psychological Safety in Leadership
Leading Across Borders: Actionable Leadership Lessons from Jim McCoy, CEO of Atlas
In this episode of Listening with Leaders, Doug Noll sits down with Jim McCoy, the CEO of Atlas, a global leader in HR services operating across 160 countries. Jim shares his wealth of knowledge on managing international teams, navigating compliance challenges, and leading with empathy and human connection. With a wealth of experience in leading a company that supports organizations worldwide, Jim offers valuable insights on how to effectively scale operations and cultivate a people-first leadership style, making this episode a must-listen for executives and entrepreneurs.
Leadership in a Global Context
Jim McCoy’s journey to leading Atlas offers a wealth of actionable insights for business leaders operating in a globalized world. Atlas operates as an Employer of Record (EOR), providing businesses with the ability to employ talent in foreign markets without establishing a legal entity in those regions. This innovative model helps organizations streamline expansion and manage HR services, such as payroll and compliance, more effectively. Jim emphasizes the importance of leveraging the EOR model for global expansion, offering businesses a way to scale operations quickly without heavy financial or legal commitments.
Leading a global organization requires understanding the complexities of different cultures, regulations, and communication styles. Jim explains that strong leadership must be rooted in listening and empathy, ensuring that every team member feels heard and valued. He shares his belief that fostering a culture of listening leads to improved employee engagement, increased collaboration, and greater innovation across teams. In his leadership philosophy, the ability to actively listen to employees and clients is a cornerstone of organizational success.
As Atlas continues to expand globally, Jim emphasizes the need to prioritize compliance alongside people-centered leadership. The company has a robust legal team that ensures its services meet local regulations across various jurisdictions, a critical factor when managing a workforce in over 160 countries. Jim advocates for a proactive approach to compliance, where businesses invest in understanding local laws and regulations while empowering their teams to make informed decisions. By blending legal expertise with a focus on human connection, Jim demonstrates how leaders can successfully navigate the complexities of global business while maintaining a strong, people-first company culture.
About Jim McCoy
Jim McCoy is the CEO of Atlas, where he leads the company's global efforts in providing outsourced HR services to businesses around the world. Under his leadership, Atlas has expanded its reach into over 160 countries, offering compliance-driven solutions that help companies scale internationally without the complexities of local entity creation.
About Atlas
Atlas is a global HR services firm specializing in Employer of Record (EOR) and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services. With a presence in over 160 countries, Atlas simplifies global expansion for companies by handling payroll, compliance, and HR services, ensuring businesses can focus on growth while managing legal and regulatory risks.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights:
Jim McCoy shares his journey from financial services to CEO of Atlas, discussing leadership in a global HR services company.
Insight into the Employer of Record model and its significance for businesses seeking global expansion.
Strategies for building a culture of listening, empathy, and delegation within a rapidly growing global company.
The importance of compliance in managing a multinational workforce and the value of legal expertise.
Conclusion
Jim McCoy’s leadership journey at Atlas offers a profound understanding of what it takes to lead effectively in a globalized and compliance-driven world. His emphasis on listening, empathy, and strong delegation practices showcases how leaders can scale their organizations while prioritizing people-first strategies. The episode underscores the importance of blending legal expertise with strong leadership values to build resilient, adaptable teams. By following Jim’s leadership principles, leaders can create organizations that are not only compliant but also human-centered and thriving.
Ready to lead with empathy and scale your organization across borders? Visit Doug Noll’s website to explore more leadership insights, and if you’re a leader with valuable experience, apply to be a guest on Listening with Leaders here.
