Alex Johnston
In the last 5 years, what new belief, behavior or habit has improved your life?
I’ve not been consistent about this behavior, so I’m far from an expert but I have experimented a bit with meditation/mindfulness using the Headspace app and when I do it I find I am able to clear my mind of distractions and relax much more easily. Even more importantly, it helps me get to sleep which is a constant challenge I’ve faced throughout my life. Hopefully by writing this in the article, I’ll feel even more compelled to do it on a regular basis!
I’ve not been consistent about this behavior, so I’m far from an expert but I have experimented a bit with meditation/mindfulness using the Headspace app and when I do it I find I am able to clear my mind of distractions and relax much more easily. Even more importantly, it helps me get to sleep which is a constant challenge I’ve faced throughout my life. Hopefully by writing this in the article, I’ll feel even more compelled to do it on a regular basis!
What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last 6 months or in recent memory?
Moving to Quebec City from Virginia, I’ve had to get comfortable with a whole new definition of Winter. And while cold weather gear is expensive so not much of my new clothing was under that limit, I did pick up a pair of used hockey skates for $40 which have been a lot of fun. It had been a long time since I picked up a new skill, but with skating rinks never more than 100 yards away here I’ve gotten pretty addicted. It’s challenged me physically, given me a great new way to get exercise and helped me more fully embrace the artic temperatures.
In the last 5 years, what have you become better at saying no to?
Traveling for work. I spent 4 years in consulting at A.T. Kearney where I was on a plane or in a hotel for most of my life and I found that lifestyle just didn’t work for me. And while I do believe being there in person is important for certain types of events, you can often be much more productive by skipping the trip and just using video. So I really try to pick my spots more now when it comes to business travel, and find ways to organize work so that my teams can function effectively with remote interactions, as well.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I usually call home and have a conversation with my (6 year old) son. It always makes me smile, which is a good start. But I also find explaining my problems in language he can understand brings me a ton of clarity. And he actually gives surprisingly great advice!
What are the bad recommendations you hear in your profession or expertise?
I’m not sure I’ve heard this explicitly as a “recommendation,” but one thing I believe we have relied on too much to drive our product development efforts is direct client interviews. The implicit guidance has always been to “ask the customer what they want you to create – they know best.” In the past two years, though I’ve seen a new code emerge: “don’t ask the customer what they want – watch what they do.” By using behavioral data vs. direct input (with balance, of course) you get a more accurate view of what the customer truly needs, vs. what is top of mind and possible for them to imagine. We don’t always have access to this data when our products are subscale, but I think hard behavioral data should be the starting point for any product innovations whenever possible.
What is one of the best or worthwhile investments you have ever made?
Ironically, I’d say one of my best “investments” was probably one of my least financially sound decisions. On a trip to Los Cabos in 2006, my wife and I purchased a timeshare which we have used every year since except for 1. On paper, I know we’ve “wasted” a lot of money on it, but the resort feels like a home away from home and the memories we have from Mexico are some of the best. I guess the takeaway for me is not to overthink it and make every decision a purely economic one. Sometimes you need to live a little!
Moving to Quebec City from Virginia, I’ve had to get comfortable with a whole new definition of Winter. And while cold weather gear is expensive so not much of my new clothing was under that limit, I did pick up a pair of used hockey skates for $40 which have been a lot of fun. It had been a long time since I picked up a new skill, but with skating rinks never more than 100 yards away here I’ve gotten pretty addicted. It’s challenged me physically, given me a great new way to get exercise and helped me more fully embrace the artic temperatures.
In the last 5 years, what have you become better at saying no to?
Traveling for work. I spent 4 years in consulting at A.T. Kearney where I was on a plane or in a hotel for most of my life and I found that lifestyle just didn’t work for me. And while I do believe being there in person is important for certain types of events, you can often be much more productive by skipping the trip and just using video. So I really try to pick my spots more now when it comes to business travel, and find ways to organize work so that my teams can function effectively with remote interactions, as well.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I usually call home and have a conversation with my (6 year old) son. It always makes me smile, which is a good start. But I also find explaining my problems in language he can understand brings me a ton of clarity. And he actually gives surprisingly great advice!
What are the bad recommendations you hear in your profession or expertise?
I’m not sure I’ve heard this explicitly as a “recommendation,” but one thing I believe we have relied on too much to drive our product development efforts is direct client interviews. The implicit guidance has always been to “ask the customer what they want you to create – they know best.” In the past two years, though I’ve seen a new code emerge: “don’t ask the customer what they want – watch what they do.” By using behavioral data vs. direct input (with balance, of course) you get a more accurate view of what the customer truly needs, vs. what is top of mind and possible for them to imagine. We don’t always have access to this data when our products are subscale, but I think hard behavioral data should be the starting point for any product innovations whenever possible.
What is one of the best or worthwhile investments you have ever made?
Ironically, I’d say one of my best “investments” was probably one of my least financially sound decisions. On a trip to Los Cabos in 2006, my wife and I purchased a timeshare which we have used every year since except for 1. On paper, I know we’ve “wasted” a lot of money on it, but the resort feels like a home away from home and the memories we have from Mexico are some of the best. I guess the takeaway for me is not to overthink it and make every decision a purely economic one. Sometimes you need to live a little!