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This week we’re taking 5 with Danny Levy.
Danny is the Managing Director, APAC of Worldwide Business Research Insights, a full-service digital market research and virtual summits business. He has worked in senior leadership roles in Singapore for over 10 years, specialises in sales and marketing, and has a passion for people.
In addition to running WBR APAC, Danny also serves as the host of the Digital Transformation & Leadership podcast, and regularly speaks and moderates at digital and physical events.
Welcome, Danny!
1. What does your workday routine look like?
I wake up around 6.30am for the school run. At the moment I’m not commuting so I’ll then get in some exercise (run/swim) and start my workday at 8.30am. I spend a lot of time in 1-2-1 meetings with my direct line reports, team meetings, training/coaching, reviewing and writing copy, speaking to clients and reviewing research projects. As Managing Director, I see myself as more of an enabler and often have to resist the urge to jump in and do the work myself!
2. How do you stay focused and maintain a positive mindset when things get crazy busy?
I live and die by my calendar! This year has been one of constant change and without effective daily/weekly/monthly planning I would have drowned. Make sure you organise your workday effectively (this includes time to look after yourself) so you can be at your most effective when you are working.
My top tip. Learn to say no! No to anything that isn’t truly important, no to other people’s urgent requests and no to low priority tasks. Prioritise your time so you can prioritise your life.
3. What are your three must-haves for a healthy work-life integration? And why?
Spending time with my family. I have two girls, 5 and 8. Making time to hang out with them, take them to school, play is so important. This is what it’s all about. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Exercise. I find time to do this every day. I love running and swimming. If I’m running, I’ll unwind with one of my favourite podcasts, and if I am swimming it’s a full digital detox. Healthy body, healthy mind.
Being passionate about what you do. If you enjoy what you do, work doesn’t always have to feel like work. We spend 1/3 of our life at work, so do something you’re passionate about.
4. What’s your top tip for creating a thriving workplace culture?
90% of the Managing Director’s role is hiring. If you get the people right everything else is easy.
When I hire I look for three things – Self-awareness, ability to solve problems and positivity. Everything else can be trained.
Do this and you’ll have a thriving workplace culture.
5. How do you bounce back when things don’t go as planned?
I always adopt the mindset that you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. Things will never go to plan. Once you embrace this, dealing with the challenges life throws up will become a lot more manageable.
Always remember not to be too hard on yourself!
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