Rannie Teodoro doesn’t let the grass grow under her feet. She loves being active, learning new things, martial arts, reading, and is learning how to DJ. Her career has been as eclectic as her interests, with a PhD in communication, mediated technologies, and information-seeking behaviors before moving into tech with a job at Facebook. Now, she leads the Product Design, Experience Research, and Product Writing teams at Thumbtack as their Director, Head of Design.
“Today, I’m focused on empowering teams to build products that help self-made entrepreneurs and local communities thrive.”
But is it just like Silicon Valley?
The Thumbtack app helps customers find and book skilled professionals to get anything done, and done well. If you need a painter, a landscaper, a DJ, or a math tutor, Thumbtack can match you with the right service provider across hundreds of categories.
At Thumbtack, we’re building more than a product. We’re building local economies and stronger communities. Leveling the playing field so even the smallest of businesses has a fair shot at success.
Rannie joined Thumbtack two years ago as the Head of Research and tripled the team within five months. She then took on the Category Management team before transitioning into Head of Design overseeing product design, experience research and product writing.
When we asked whether Thumbtack is another 24/7 job at a technology ‘boys club’, Rannie was adamant.
“It’s not a 24/7 job – no way. Our recent pulse scores suggest our managers are really good at encouraging work-life balance. If anything, we consistently score high on people who join the team being passionate about our mission. With that passion you have people that are willing to dedicate more hours than are required to the job, and probably happens sometimes. As a leadership team we have high expectations but are also going to provide as much support as possible, because we do know how important our mission is.”
“All of tech is a ‘boys’ club’ – that’s why we need more diverse leadership at the table! It’s important for us to hire more women and historically underrepresented groups, at a faster rate, and compensate them in a way that is competitive with predominantly white male counterparts.”
The three Ps of her decision
Rannie decided to join Thumbtack based on what she calls the three Ps – people, purpose and potential.
“I make a point to say I want to do good work with good people. Now I get to say I do great work with great people. I’m inspired by that team and can actively contribute with my own diverse skills and talent – that’s where the magic happens.”
Thumbtack is a marketplace that helps people get projects done, and connects them with entrepreneurs who turn their talents into sustainable businesses. That excited Rannie, and she feels like she’s actively contributing to a larger purpose that’s empowering local communities and the people within them.
The third P of potential relates to both her personal opportunities and the broader company potential.
“I love being constantly challenged, and a two-sided marketplace like Thumbtack is a big puzzle. If you get excited by complexity, nuance and new challenges, then Thumbtack might be the place for you. We’re a Sequoia-backed company with lots of runway. Thumbtack will be the category-defining company in local services.”
How to treat your staff during a pandemic
Thumbtack has a number of key benefits, including Thumbtack Bucks, where employees get a set amount of funds to hire service providers and test out the customer experience. She and her fiancée learned ballroom dancing for their wedding!
The company is currently fully remote due to COVID, and Rannie relocated to Maui, Hawaii. She starts her day at 4am (which is 7am Pacific time) and finishes at 2:30 or 3:00pm.
“It’s been great to have that lifestyle supported by the team. Now it’s still daytime when I finish work!”
Other colleagues have moved closer to family, or work in blocks around supporting children with homeschooling. They have plenty of flexibility and can do their work when it suits them. Rannie is excited by the future at Thumbtack, and the people she’s surrounded by at work.
“People feel like they can make a lot of impact in their roles here, and there are consistent growth opportunities.”
