Things I Believe

Dont stress people out.

• Users will shun stressful apps.
• Stress hides in noise, complexity and quantity.
• Clever is not always better.
• AI has potential to reduce stress factors.

Trust is better than speed.

• Speed works before you gain trust. Trust is then maintained by quality.
• Use speed and feedback to align with user expectations.
• Authenticity builds trust.
• Don't trick the audience.
• Own mistakes and misunderstandings.

Complexity requires permanent focus and attention.

• Put in the hours, but get something back.
• Iteratively focus in and out.
• Small teams can focus, big teams can't.

Clarity beats cleverness.

• KISS - Keep it simple stupid.
• Simple to communicate.

Trust erodes through miscommunication.

• Get to the point, lead with the answer.
• Leaders provide clarity and assurance when absent.
• Listen twice as much as you talk.
• Mismatched expectations lead to conflict.

Leadership means owning outcomes beyond the org chart

• Influence is more important than titles.
• Leaders have to do the work themselves and delegate
• Managers >< Leaders.

Work and hobbies can coexist.

• Lean into your curiosity
• A job becomes a passion when you care about the outcome.

Always try to assume good intent

• Lead with empathy and understanding.
• Give people reasonable time and space.
• Criticism is good feedback if you listen unemotionally