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Thank you to the 1,400 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions!
I hope reading
7 Questions with Matthew Haynes
helps you in your leadership.
Cheers,
Jonno White
7 Questions with Matthew Haynes
Name: Matthew Haynes
Current title: CEO / Founder / Head of Experience
Current organisation: Analogue Digital Pty Ltd
My name is Matthew Haynes. I am a creative whos in pursuit of a life well-lived. In my first life, I played professional baseball for the Cleveland Indians. I am currently an Experience Designer who founded The Design Conference. While I don't know where my next adventure will take me, I do know it will be eye-opening, sustainable and for the benefit of the greater community. If you have an exciting idea and want someone with endless energy and passion to team up with — I could be your guy. Holla.
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1. What have you found most challenging as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise?
Learning to switch off can be a challenge. For many years I stressed about the future of our organisations when I should have been resting. Good CEOs make great decisions with a tuned intuition, a circle of trusted advisors and more importantly — enough sleep.
2. How did you become a CEO or executive of a large enterprise? Can you please briefly tell the story?
I fell into my role as CEO via a start-up business: The Design Conference. Being an ex-professional baseball player, I have been exposed to unusual schedules and businesses practices. I've taken many of these practices into my 'now' life, especially the concept of not being able to tell the difference between my work and my play.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
Sleep is critical. I shoot for 6-8 hours daily. On top of this, I schedule 60 minutes of physical exercise, a mental routine and two, four-hour sessions in my office. One session is designed to serve my customers today, while the other is designed to benefit my customers tomorrow.
4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?
COVID happens. Get over it.
5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?
I read less than most CEO's. I'm currently reading 12 Lessons for Life and Sapiens — I have been reading them for a long time. TBH — you're more likely to catch me listening. to a podcast while I am going for a run.
6. How do you build leadership capacity in a large enterprise?
Being CEO of a SME, I suspect is much the same, but with better more qualified advisors.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise so far?
Learn to listen with your heart, mind and soul. Understand your customer properly and you will understand how to become successful through making their life better.