Q . WHAT ' S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED — AND FROM WHOM ?
» To always have an action plan and focus on the deliverables .
If you are ever faced with a challenge , stop and ask yourself “ what ’ s the plan ?” or “ how do we do this ?” before jumping on a particular course of action . This piece of advice is something that I have implemented throughout my entrepreneurial career , and without it , I certainly wouldn ’ t have been able to manoeuvre around some of the roadblocks that we have encountered over the years .
Having this kind of cautious mindset simply allows you to be as prepared as possible when you do eventually encounter a problem , whatever it may be . It has taught me to always raise money and build buffers where I can , and most importantly , not take anything for granted . Crucially , it enables you to plan for the long-term , which won ’ t just help with achieving your purpose but will also help with your overall mental wellbeing , which is crucial to sustaining good leadership .
Q . WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ , WHY DID YOU LIKE IT — AND HOW LONG AGO DID YOU READ IT ?
» I actually spent the better part of Sunday reading a really interesting business management book called “ Product Roadmaps Relaunched - How to Set Direction While Embracing Uncertainty ”, which explores the importance of product roadmaps , their significance as a communication tool , and the ways that they ’ ve changed and evolved over the years . The book also offers a very practical guide into how you can articulate an inspiring vision and goal for your product , and how you can use your roadmap to align stakeholders and prioritise ideas and requests .
As a CEO , I think it ’ s important to find some spare time to continue learning about all aspects of a business , whether product strategy or leadership , and to always look to broaden my perspective and skills as much as possible .
Q . NAME ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY YOU COULDN ’ T LIVE WITHOUT AND TELL US WHY ( EXCLUDING YOUR MOBILE PHONE ).
» Having been an entrepreneur for over 20 years , I ’ m well aware of the importance of maintaining a solid work / life balance , and the impact that it can have on your overall wellbeing . As a result , I regularly try to take breaks from technology , and find time in my busy schedule to exercise , get some fresh air or relax at home with my family - so I ’ d like to think that I could survive without technology . Having said that , I would certainly miss my laptop for staying on top of things , and my fitbit for maintaining a healthy lifestyle , both physically and mentally . I would also find it difficult without my Vivino app , which I use to discover delicious wines !
Q . WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO IN TERMS OF LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP ?
» There ’ s no doubt that I would not be where I am now without my two co-founders , Asgeir and Viggo Asgeirsson . Right from the very beginning , when we all quit our previous jobs at the big banks and started working together in Viggo ’ s living room to create this exciting new startup , we have always stuck together and supported each other - and there ’ s no doubt that the success and growth of Meniga to date is partly down to the dynamic that our co-founding team has had over the years .
We have always taken time to listen to each other ’ s ideas , and our collective passion for our company is what continues to inspire us