True Edge Tuesday with Steve Hecht
Steve has turned ambiguity into opportunity—leading SharkNinja’s AI transformation and driving cross-functional change that turned uncharted challenges into measurable, impactful results.
For Steve Hecht, SharkNinja’s Vice President of Global Business Transformation, operating with an Outrageously Extraordinary (OE) mindset means stepping into the unknown—and refusing to slow down. Whether he’s navigating emerging technologies or leading cross-functional initiatives with no clear playbook, Steve thrives in ambiguity.
As he leads large cross-functional strategic transformations for SharkNinja globally, Steve compares OE to moving through a dark room: there’s no map, no guaranteed path forward—just a deep belief in reaching the other side. Rather than assuming he has all the answers, Steve taps into a wide network of experts across SharkNinja and beyond, pulling together diverse perspectives to build solutions no one person could develop alone.
Much of Steve’s work involves tackling complex problems with no one clear solution—like SharkNinja’s evolving enterprise-wide AI strategy. With technology changing by the month and teams adapting in real time, Steve leads with a test-and-learn approach: pilot bold ideas, measure impact, pivot quickly, and scale what works. If a solution doesn’t meet the mark, it’s shut down without hesitation. If it shows promise, he digs deeper—asking second- and third-order questions to uncover what’s holding it back.
"It’s not just about expertise—it’s about mindset. The best teams are curious, adaptable, and ready to try new things."
From unlocking smarter data insights, to rethinking how marketing content is generated and tested, to enhancing the consumer experience while reducing cost to serve—Steve drives transformation through disciplined experimentation and relentless forward motion. He builds the right teams, sets the right operating models, and ensures a consistent drumbeat of progress across departments and continents.
Ultimately, Steve’s approach is as much about mindset as it is about expertise. It’s about surrounding himself with people who are curious, adaptable, and unafraid to question the familiar. Because for Steve, being OE isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to chase outcomes worth the effort.
Hear from Steve
What does it mean to be Outrageously Extraordinary?
To me, it’s like navigating a dark room—you don’t know exactly how to get to the other side, but you don’t let that slow you down. You don’t assume you have the answers, so you talk to a lot of people—experts from across SharkNinja and beyond. Along the way, you’re constantly clearing the smoke, identifying dead ends early so you don’t waste time. It’s about staying focused on what will actually move you forward.
True Edge is described as “a key principle of the OE mindset, combining vigilance, innovative insight, and strategic solutions to create a competitive advantage that is exceptionally hard to replicate.”
What’s your True Edge, or what are you working to build?
I think my True Edge—my personal competitive advantage—is defining pathways to solutions in the dark. That’s my superpower. It’s about navigating ambiguity and bringing together the right cross-functional team to light the way. When you achieve an outcome that goes beyond what any one person could have done alone, that’s something rare. It’s hard to replicate at other companies—and that gives us a real edge.
Can you share examples of how you live “OE”?
The way I live my life—for better or worse—is with a very short, focused list of priorities. For the things that make that list, I aim to be the absolute best I can be. That also means being clear about what I’m not going to do. You can’t do everything, and if you try, it’s nearly impossible to do anything truly well—let alone exceptionally. So, I practice ruthless prioritization, not just for myself, but for the teams I work with. It’s about making deliberate choices on where to invest time and energy to create the greatest impact.
What makes working at SharkNinja special?
I’ve been at SharkNinja for two and a half years, and what I really love is the pace, the variability, and the impact. You’re not just doing tasks for the sake of it, and you’re definitely not doing the same thing every day. There’s real opportunity to make a difference—across teams, across levels—and actually see the effect of your work on people and the organization.
Please join us in congratulating Steve for being this week's True Edge Tuesday!
About True Edge Tuesday
At SharkNinja, we strive for the outrageously extraordinary in everything we do, driven by our True Edge – the super skills that set us apart. This cornerstone of the Outrageously Extraordinary mindset harnesses innovative insight and strategic solutions to create a competitive advantage, empowering us to positively impact people’s lives every day.
True Edge Tuesday celebrates team members who go above and beyond, showcasing what it means to reject the status quo and embrace the extraordinary.
