How I Succeeded: Oracle’s Aaron Green

How I Succeeded is a regular series on Lifehacker where we ask business leaders for the secrets and tactics behind their success. Today: Aaron Green from Oracle.

Current gig: Oracle vice-president for Human Capital Management
Location: Sydney – and lots of aeroplanes
Current mobile device: iPhone 6 (x2!)
Current computer: MacBook Air
One word that best describes how you work: Highlights

What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?

YogaGlo, Headspace, Uber and iMessage

What social network do you find the most useful?

Facebook. As a Sydneysider by way of San Francisco, London and everywhere in between, keeping up with my nearest and dearest is critical to me!

What were the most important lessons you learned while growing your business?

Being relentless to succeed never comes above being human. People are the most critical aspect of my business, and when you take care of your people, you take care of your customers.

What has been the most surprising part of your business journey?

The software industry can pivot overnight. Being nimble and trendspotting (or trendsetting!) keep you in the game.

What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?

I do things my own way. I’m not sure if it’s better, but it works for me, and seems to work for those around me. I spend a lot of time recognising the unique ways in which everyone works. I’m trying to get better at doing a handstand, and practicing every day. Not in the office, though.

What’s your sleep routine like?

I used to pride myself on how little sleep I got. Now I tend to get a solid 5 hours, then get up, jot down some notes, and snooze for another couple of hours. I can still go weeks on end with 2-3 hours a night…

What advice would you offer to other businesses on how to succeed?

Stay true to your mission, and put your customers and your people above everything else. The difference between doing good business and great business is a secret sauce of transparency, communication, trust, panache, a smile and above all else — being genuine.


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