What hurdles did you initially encounter with Cyclone Technology, and how did you overcome them?
Initially, the stress to succeed was a huge mental burden. I found that this type of mindset can ironically threaten the actual completion of an idea. The stress to succeed put an intense amount of mental pressure on me, until I realized that I was focused entirely on the end of the journey and getting there as quickly as possible. I’ve heard you have to fall in love with the journey, whether you succeed or not, so I made a decisive switch in the way I was thinking. Instead, I put pressure on myself to put the project together, to finish it, and not to stop until it was completed. This had to come before any notion of success. Getting it done, and the commitment to get it done right, equipped me to handle day to day issues and road bumps that came up.
What do you hope to gain from the Spark! Program?
Communication. The truth of the matter is that every person and business uses technology and software on a daily basis. In fact, most of our lives and businesses depend on it to keep things running securely and smoothly. However, the vast majority of people and even business owners come from non-technical backgrounds. One of the issues I come across is how to explain our software to non-technical people. The Spark! Program has taught me how to shift the conversation from one of numbers and fancy features, to relatable, everyday benefits that people can enjoy. This has showed me that any conversation, no matter the subject, must be accessible for both parties.
Who is your favorite Entrepreneur?
Gary Vaynerchuk. Sometimes, when I’m tired, stressed, and feel like I haven’t had a break in weeks, I remember one of his quotes, “Wake up before everybody else and work into the night.” I think some entrepreneurs, including myself, can start to resent the work involved with bringing a project together. But accepting it as a given, and learning to love it and understand that it’s what sets your project apart, has been a great inspiration for my business journey.
What is your favorite book and podcast for fun or business?
My favorite book is the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. This one is a classic and it truly helped me shape my vision with manageable steps on how to get there. I think anybody can benefit from reading this book and I frequently gift it to people because I understand its value.
I love listening to the Joe Rogan Experience. He has long-form interviews with smart, accomplished, and interesting guests from a variety of different backgrounds. Every time I listen, whether at the gym or on the road, I learn something.