How I Succeeded is a regular series on Lifehacker where we ask business leaders for the secrets and tactics behind their success. Today: Celtra APAC regional director, Richard Knott.
Current gig: Regional Director, APAC, at Celtra.
Location: Sydney, Australia
Current mobile device: Google Pixel
Current computer: Macbook air
One word that best describes how you work: Ubiquitously
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
Whatsapp for instant chatting, Moments to get me off my phone, Slack for working group discussion, Google Maps for getting around, Expensify for saving us all from the horribleness of expense tracking, Strava for fitness progress and the good old-fashioned notebook.
What social network do you find the most useful?
LinkedIn.
What were the most important lessons you learned while growing your business?
Providing a client with a huge opportunity is often not enough, you have to solve a problem if you want them to act. The easy opportunities are harder than you think, the harder opportunities are easier than you think. However, there are no shortcuts to long-term success. Finally, always find time for exercise, it repays you in so many ways.
What has been the most surprising part of your business journey?
I think it can be summed up best in Bill Gates quote, “we overestimate the change we will see in 2 years, but underestimate the change we will see in 10 years”. This has proven to be incredibly appropriate to developments in the world of media, digital and advertising.
What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
Map reading, without a doubt.
What’s your sleep routine like?
7 hours a night, no more, no less.
What advice would you offer to other businesses on how to succeed?
Hire well. This has to be number one and needs to be done at all costs. Understand and map out what real success looks like because sustainable success isn’t predicated to a number. Stand for something and whilst I’m sure your product is the best in the world, why does it matter? What problem does it solve? However, don’t be dogmatic. Listen to your customers and adapt. In many ways, they know your product better than you, because they look at it through very different eyes.
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