Building Bridges Across Time Zones: Leadership Lessons from Justin Valentine

In a world where businesses operate across borders and time zones, leaders must possess the vision and resilience to tackle complex global challenges. Justin Valentine, President and CEO of Valent, brings a wealth of experience managing international teams and navigating the unique obstacles of working in developing markets. Through his insights, Valentine highlights how leveraging global opportunities, addressing infrastructure limitations, and maintaining professional integrity are essential for success in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world.

Valentine’s work spans continents, with team members spread across time zones in Dublin, India, the Philippines, and the United States. This global distribution offers distinct advantages, including the ability to maximize productivity. Valentine explains, “We can shoot a deliverable off to our team members overseas. They can start working on it in their morning. And so you start to get into more of a 16-hour production schedule versus an eight-hour production schedule.” However, this round-the-clock operation poses challenges, particularly in managing complex client relationships. Balancing multiple time zones often results in grueling schedules, with Valentine’s workdays sometimes beginning at 5 AM and ending as late as 9 PM. Despite these demands, he recognizes the value of seamless collaboration and time-zone efficiency in meeting client expectations.

Beyond managing global teams, Valentine focuses on a critical issue in developing countries: digital infrastructure. He points out that reliable access to electricity and the internet is a cornerstone of productivity, especially as businesses increasingly depend on online collaboration tools. “One of the biggest hindrances to productivity in developing countries is reliable access to electricity and reliable internet access,” Valentine notes. Without these essentials, even the most talented teams can struggle to deliver their best work. His emphasis on infrastructure highlights the broader challenges of operating in under-resourced areas and the need for sustained investment to unlock their potential.

Valentine also identifies notable trends in procurement for developing countries, an area where innovation is reshaping traditional approaches. He highlights the growing flexibility in procurement methods, explaining, “The new procurement frameworks that exist allow more choice in the way that governments procure,” moving beyond rigid, lowest-price models. Additionally, market research is playing a larger role in ensuring that the right suppliers are involved in the procurement process. These shifts reflect a more nuanced and strategic approach to procurement, one that prioritizes quality and adaptability over cost alone.

Amid these operational insights, Valentine underscores the enduring importance of professional reputation. “Your professional reputation both precedes you and follows you, so how you conduct yourself matters ethically and professionally,” he advises. In industries where networks often overlap, a reputation for integrity can open doors to partnerships with highly skilled professionals and ensure long-term career success. For Valentine, ethical conduct is not just a personal value but an integral business strategy.

From managing diverse teams and addressing infrastructure challenges to adapting procurement methods and prioritizing reputation, Valentine’s approach underscores the importance of strategic thinking and ethical conduct. As businesses continue to operate across borders, leaders like Valentine remind us that success comes from balancing innovation with integrity and rising to the challenges of a dynamic global landscape.