How I Succeeded: Xref’s Lee Martin Seymour

How I Succeeded is a regular series on Lifehacker where we ask business leaders for the secrets and tactics behind their success. Today: Lee Martin Seymour, CEO and Co-founder of Xref.

Current gig: CEO and Co-founder of Xref
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Current location: Sydney, Australia
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Current mobile device: Samsung 10 Note
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Current computer: MacBook Air
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One word that best describes how you work: Emotionally
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What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?

  • Google Chrome – if I can get to Chrome I can do anything
  • SalesForce
  • Workplace
  • The Qantas app

What social network do you find the most useful?

The ‘real’ kind ⁠— I’d much rather catch up with a client over a wine than give them a thumbs up online.

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

  • Ask questions
  • Prioritise the tough decisions
  • Don’t run out of cash

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

The Xref family has grown from five people in a loft to a global, publicly listed business and the biggest surprise in the journey has been seeing the journey of others. Specifically seeing how our people have matured with our business.

What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?

I never forget – my memory disturbs others!

What’s your sleep routine like?

When I’ve done what I wanted to get done, I’m happy to go to bed but I am genuinely excited to get up and focus on what I want to achieve next. I like building and fixing things, and when there’s nothing to be fixed or built I’ll break something just to fix it again! That helps me sleep.

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

Pay for good advice, but always make your own decisions.

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