Episode 15 of Leading Matters features the founder and CEO of Arcweb Technologies.  Arcweb is a Philadelphia based product design and development firm that helps improve the bottom line of the fortune 500. The secret to Arcweb’s success? Make product that people love, and create an engaging work environment.

Chris Cera is the sort of leader that approaches his trade with a level of commitment and humility that most can only dream of. And he does so without even having to remind himself of this fact, it is just who he is. This leadership style has helped him to create one of the leading product design and development firms in the Northeast United States. In this episode of Leading Matters Chris shares his approach, why it works for Arcweb, and the benefit it has for the professional well being of his employees and clients.

HIGHLIGHTS

On The Philadelphia Entrepreneur Community
Chris is one of the founding members of Philly Startup Leaders (PSL), founded in 2007 with a singular goal in mind, mentorship. What the small group couldn’t have possibly imagined was that their desire to support would-be entrepreneurs in Philadelphia would eventually lead to the development of a community of thousands. A community connected not only to the Mayors office but to the entire Delaware Valley region. It was in this crucible that Chris learned to trust that placing mission first would always yield fruit. Though not always the sort of fruity you might be expecting.

On Tech Talent in Philadelphia
Chris was hesitant to suggest that PSL has had much to do with the fact that Philadelphia is a draw for Delaware Valley companies to establish a presence in order to take advantage of technical talent. He attributes this fact to more of the larger national demographic trends that have been afoot in the last decade or so. But, as you listen to him talk, it is hard to miss the impact that PSL has had upon the technical community in the region.

On the Commitment to Culture Within the Workplace
Chris speaks of the culture of Arcweb with the sort of tone typically reserved for describing the extended family to a stranger. You will hear a leader who cares intimately about not only the success of the company but the success of the individuals in the company. A success that he trys to help by providing a work environment that reflects the culture of the company that he has built.

On the Challenge of Sticking to Mission During Growth
Chris candidly discusses the challenge that Arcweb has faced to ensure that mission has remained central while the organization grows. The deeper the work hierarchy becomes the more challenging it is to know that every single employe knows and internalizes mission within how they execute their jobs. He discusses the deliberation that he and his leadership team have taken to identify core values and mission, and how Arcweb stays true to them

On The Necessity of Evaluating Clients
In a frequent theme from other guests on Leading Matters Chris echoes the necessity of prioritizing good revenue over bad. Arcweb does this by making sure their clients share the passion for making products people love.