How I Succeeded is a regular series on Lifehacker where we ask business leaders for the secrets and tactics behind their success. Today: Jonathan Stern from MuleSoft.
Current gig: : Regional vice-president for MuleSoft in Australia and New Zealand
Location: Sydney, Australia
Current mobile device: Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Note 8 tablet
Current computer: MacBook Pro
One word that best describes how you work: Purposeful
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
My Kindle, Uber, Spotify (with good headphones when things are noisy and I need to concentrate). The rest, including business apps, I can work around.
What social network do you find the most useful?
LinkedIn. My son, who I can always rely upon to keep me grounded, refers to it as “Facebook for old people”.
What were the most important lessons you learned while growing your business?
It’s a cliche, but….. hire good people. Set them off in the right direction. Support them. Focus on their strengths.
What has been the most surprising part of your business journey?
The capacity for people to do the most amazing amounts of brilliant work. When they’re motivated, when they find their work fulfilling and meaningful, and when they can see how they can contribute to the team; when they’re in a state of “flow”.
What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
Not taking myself too seriously – no one laughs at me more than I do.
What’s your sleep routine like?
I’m an early-to-bed / early-to-rise type of person. I love exercising first thing in the morning. I’m continually reassured as to how I’m able to cope the following day, even after the most fitful night’s sleep.
What advice would you offer to other businesses on how to succeed?
Be tight on what you want your business to accomplish, but relaxed in the journey to get there. Be ready to alter course to take advantage of new opportunities.
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