How I Succeeded is a regular series on Lifehacker where we ask business leaders for the secrets and tactics behind their success. Today: Bruce Bennie from Infoblox.
Current gig: ANZ Country Manager for Infoblox
Location: Sydney, Australia
Current mobile device: Apple iPhone 6
Current computer: MacBook Air
One word that best describes how you work: ‘No nonsense’
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
Just moved to Office 365 and finding it great.
What social network do you find the most useful?
Linkedin: Its good to keep up with the industry trends and people in the market.
YouTube: Both for work and entertainment. I find it great for keeping up with current affairs.
What were the most important lessons you learned while growing your business?
Focus on building and motivating teams. Even if you have a great product, if you have a poor team you won’t be successful. Don’t sweat the small issue and focus on outcomes, not process.
What has been the most surprising part of your business journey?
While there are constant changes in the IT industry some of the major basics still remain unchanged. Business is built on personal relationships. People still want to do business with people they know and trust.
What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
I like to put things in perspective and focus on what makes the most impact in the shortest amount of time. I hire people who can bring skills to the business which I don’t have.
What’s your sleep routine like?
I’ve never been a big sleeper. Five to six hours a night is all I seem to achieve. I stay up late and get up pretty early as well. I love and need good coffee.
What advice would you offer to other businesses on how to succeed?
Look for good people who have the same goals and principles that you do. Build an environment where people want to take risks and get rewarded for them. Don’t micro-manage your team. Hire the right people, give them the power to make decisions and trust them to do their job.
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