No Bosses, No Problem: How to Succeed as a Business with Co-Leadership and Purpose-Driven Work – with Thea Tolstrup Bramming from Clever

Work in Progress – People & Culture

In this eye-opening episode with Thea Tolstrup Bramming, People and Co-Leadership Partner at Clever, we explore how the electric mobility company operates with 400 employees through distributed leadership rather than traditional hierarchy.

Thea shares her fascinating journey from sociologist to HR professional to champion of alternative organizational structures. Drawing from her observations of how traditional hierarchies often stifle the very creativity and initiative they claim to foster, she explains why Clever chose a radically different path.

At the heart of Clever's approach is what they call "co-leadership" – a system where teams align around clear purposes rather than reporting to managers. Power and responsibility are distributed through defined roles like "purpose guardian," "facilitator," and "memory," ensuring accountability without centralized control. When conflicts arise or teams face challenges, they use structured processes like their color-coded "heat map" system to communicate needs transparently.

It is fascinating to hear how this structure not only offers an innovative approach to problem solving and innovation in the company, but also transforms workplace relationships. Without competing for promotions or bonuses, colleagues help each other to succeed through honest and candid feedback. On top of this, teams raise their hands when struggling and receive the help needed, which is a testament to a workplace, where true psychological safety exists. The result is seen both in the financial bottomline as well as in the culture, where people bring their authentic selves to work, vulnerability is welcomed, and trust flourishes.

Whether you're an HR professional or leader/manager considering alternative organizational structures or simply curious about the future of work, this podcast episode offers practical insights into creating more human-centered organizations. Listen in to learn more about co-leadership and how to unlock greater engagement, innovation, and fulfillment at work.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Work in Progress Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Clever: A Company Without Managers (00:00:45)

3. Thea's Background and Journey (00:03:20)

4. Hierarchies vs. Purpose-Driven Organizations (00:07:21)

5. How Clever Organizes Without Management (00:12:57)

6. Practical Co-Leadership: Roles and Structures (00:17:08)

7. Conflict Resolution and Team Health (00:22:17)

8. Hiring and Culture Fit (00:28:00)

9. Performance and Rewards in Co-Leadership (00:33:42)

10. The Future of Co-Leadership (00:39:37)