How seeing diversity within leadership has inspired technical software engineering sourcer Osagie
At Dropbox, we truly believe that putting value on diversity starts from the top down. Technical software engineering Sourcer Osagie Aisueni is passionate about finding diverse candidates for all levels of roles within our company so that we don’t just talk the talk — we walk the walk. He shared with us how seeing management positions filled by people of all different cultures, backgrounds, and identities has helped him see his career as a long-term investment — with unlimited growth potential.
What’s it like being a member of the sourcing team? And why do you enjoy being a sourcer?
We have a really cool culture here in the sourcing team. It’s very collaborative. We do a really good job of bringing people in on new techniques and working together to help one another grow our craft as sourcers. We really encourage one another to say “hey, this is what’s working for me, everyone can use it.” It’s not an individualistic mindset. I felt like, when I joined the team, my craft as a sourcer really jumped up that much higher because I was around other people who were helping me grow. We’re very diverse, not just in the way we look but where we come from and our stages of life. It’s really fun to see and interact with sourcers from all different backgrounds. We’re a really tight-knit group of friends and family.
How do you think the sourcing team plays a part in diversity and inclusion at Dropbox?
Sometimes in recruiting, I think we have one of the most important roles at Dropbox. We’re the gatekeepers into the culture of Dropbox as whole. We’re the people who are finding the next Dropboxers who are going to play a part into the culture we value here. We are reaching out and telling people about our culture and the great things we are doing and the teams we’re building here, so we get the opportunity to find diverse candidates and add to them to what diversity we already have at Dropbox. It’s a huge responsibility. I don’t take it lightly because I’m passionate about where I am and the culture that we have here which is, in my opinion, the best in the industry. You take a sense of ownership, because this person you’re bringing in is either going to help build or break down the culture we have here at Dropbox.
Why do you think diversity is important at work?
It adds value not only to our workplace but to individuals’ lives. As a Dropboxer, you’re going to get value from being around people who think or look different or come from different backgrounds. It will enhance you not only as a coworker and an employee, but also as a person. Being able to experience different people’s backgrounds and cultures can be super helpful as we grow as people. For myself, it’s also added to my comfortability at work — being a minority and coming to work and seeing people who look like me, not only as my peers but in management and leadership. Seeing diversity there gives me a place to map out my career at Dropbox and see that there are spaces for me to be in. Seeing that representation makes me see Dropbox as a long term investment, and as a place I wanna be.
How do you see the sourcing team changing (or staying the same) in the next few years?
I think we’re going to have to grow. Especially with software engineers, because of the competitiveness of the market in the tech industry, there’s a constant need to find great talent and add them. We’re constantly working on having top talent, so people want to be a part of that, you just gotta find them. As we continue to grow, our brand is going to grow and our products are going to grow and we’ll need more engineers, and more people in every area of the business.
Want to see what your future could have in store for you at a company that is becoming more diverse every year? Here are our open positions.
