Best Manager Ever10 Dec 2025

Best Manager Ever: Jared Erondu – Hard Mode Leadership

Jared Erondu is a seasoned design and startup leader, and is currently the Head of Design at early-stage startup Span. Jared spent eight years at Lattice rising from a solo designer pulling all-nighters in the early days, to leading a 50-person design organization and serving as GM across product and GTM as the company scaled. Earlier in his career, he was a design leader at Teespring and Omada Health. Jared is known for his design mentorship and community-building, and is an active advisor and angel investor.

Jared brings a calm, steady presence, especially during challenging times, always seeing the long view and providing unwavering support. His team appreciates his high standards, attention to detail, and commitment to craft, but also noted that he balances intensity with humor and approachability.

In this episode, show creator and Fort Light founder Annie Riley sits down with Jared, and they discuss:

Why all managers should master selective transparency
The right way to communicate destabilizing intel
How to recondition your mindset for “hard mode” leadership
How to build a bench of resources to support yourself
The best way to recruit exceptional talent
Why managing your own mindset is the ultimate leadership unlock

If you’re interested in sponsoring an episode of Best Manager Ever, reach out: sponsor@fortlight.com

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Connect with our show’s Producer, Alexis Ramdaou

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