How I Succeeded is a regular series on Lifehacker where we ask business leaders for the secrets and tactics behind their success. Today: Simon Howe, ANZ sales director for LogRhythm.
Current gig: Sales Director, ANZ, LogRhythm
Location: Sydney, Australia
Current mobile device: iPhone 7
Current computer: MacBook Pro 13″
One word that best describes how you work: Urgently
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
The home screen on my iPhone is a good indication of my ‘can’t live without Apps’ including: Webex, Concur, Qantas, Uber, Maps, LinkedIn and Whatsapp. Personally, I can’t live without AppleMusic and Strava for MTB tracking. Frankly, my view is what can’t be done from my phone probably isn’t worth doing anyway.
What social network do you find the most useful?
LinkedIn for work networks and contacts.
What were the most important lessons you learned while growing your business?
Value of relationships at both a professional and personal level. Everything is achieved based on some level of human interaction. Honesty and integrity in those interactions is fundamental. Your team is everything. Be focused on their motivation, success and well-being and your business will benefit enormously.
What has been the most surprising part of your business journey?
Perhaps it’s an age thing but I am constantly surprised by what a small world it is. Whether its customer contacts that you keep running into in different accounts, or the manager from the start of your career that’s now the Global VP of the company you joined, we are constantly reminded of what a small world and industry we are working in. Most importantly, those relationships you forge in early years are often the most important and influential in later years.
What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
I’d never describe myself as the best at anything. There are always other people you can learn from and ways you can improve. But an everyday skill I inherited from a military upbringing with my father in the Royal Navy is punctuality. Much to the annoyance of my wife and increasingly my kids there is no such thing as fashionably late in my book. The last wedding reception we went to we were early enough to help them set up the tables and chairs!!
What’s your sleep routine like?
Minimalistic. Busy work and family life with two young kids means a sleep-in is a luxury I gave up many years ago. I’m an early riser. Happy to switch on from 6am or earlier. Just don’t try and get me on a conference call after midnight. Morning Howe is much more productive.
What advice would you offer to other businesses on how to succeed?
Focus is critical. Focus on your team, on your customers, on your target market. Do the right thing. The right way is not always the easiest way but ultimately the outcome is far stronger. And finally, enjoy it. We’re lucky people. So have some fun with it.
Comments