How We Lead
At Vault89, leadership is not defined by title, authority, or proximity to decision-making. It is defined by how responsibility is carried.
To lead here is to steward responsibility with care. It requires clarity without rigidity, confidence without arrogance, and accountability without defensiveness. Leadership is measured not by control, but by the conditions we create for others to do their best work with dignity and trust. We expect leaders to model the Vault way in action. This includes:
telling the truth, even when it is uncomfortable;
remaining curious when certainty would be easier;
acknowledging harm and repairing it without delay or excuse
Leadership does not exempt anyone from these expectations. If anything, it heightens them.
Disagreement is a natural and necessary part of serious work. Leaders are responsible for creating space where disagreement can be expressed openly, explored rigorously, and resolved with respect. Suppressing dissent, dismissing questions, or using authority to avoid accountability is inconsistent with how we lead.
We do not use urgency, pressure, or outcomes as justification for behavior that compromises dignity. Results matter, but not at the expense of trust, safety, or integrity. Leadership never excuses harm.
When mistakes occur—as they inevitably will—leaders are expected to respond with ownership and humility. This includes naming what went wrong, addressing the impact on others, and adjusting course. Blame-shifting, silence, or avoidance erode alignment and are not acceptable forms of leadership.
Leadership at Vault89 is not about being right.
It is about staying aligned—especially when the path forward is unclear.
Those who lead here are entrusted with more than decisions. They are entrusted with people, with process, and with the long-term consequences of the work we do together.
