Talk to a Tykling – getting to know James Hirst, COO

James Hirst, COO of Tyk, discusses the journey from a simple idea to a global company with a unique remote-first, radically responsible culture. Alongside CEO Martin, he built Tyk on principles that prioritize flexibility and responsibility, allowing employees to work effectively across 31 countries. Their strong working relationship, formed during their previous collaboration, laid the foundation for Tyk's development. The company emphasizes hiring empathetic and intelligent individuals who thrive in this flexible environment, avoiding traditional methods like psychometric testing. Hirst highlights the importance of communication and cultural diversity in their workforce, noting that their emergent culture is shaped by contributions from a global team. Tyk's mission to connect systems worldwide aligns with its sustainable practices, promoting remote work and digital transformation. Despite challenges like bridging cultural differences and striving for gender diversity in the tech sector, Hirst remains proud of Tyk's achievements and its role in enabling connectivity and sustainability.