1. Sleep 2. Wake at 6 am, take a 30 minute break for breakfast at 8 am, job finished at 10 am, ready for random madness after that.
Read More »What makes you an expert in your industry? by James Trevelyan
Air conditioning is a mystery for so many in the industry. The physical principles are hard to understand at the fundamental level, even for engineers. So much of the technology is learned by experience. Even the best computer simulations are little better than educated guesses. Simple things like figuring out …
Read More »Share one of your favourite marketing tools, tips or tricks by James Trevelyan
My suggestion is to become a customer for a day and experience the need for the product first-hand. We sell energy-efficient personal air conditioners – Coolzy. Our first launch was in Pakistan. My personal experience of summer heat in Pakistan was the best marketing technique. The night-time temperature in my …
Read More »Working on your business is no longer an option. What global problem would you most like to throw yourself at trying to solve and why? by James Trevelyan
Distribution of piped drinking water. About 2 – 5 billion people today do not have 24 hour access to safe drinking water through a piped connection to their home or workplace. Yet there is no shortage of water for drinking. The traditional piped water utility model fails in most countries …
Read More »In business, when is it acceptable to lie? by James Trevelyan
In his book “Leadership BS” jeffrey Pfeffer explains that leaders have to be careful with the truth. He explains that the idea that leaders should always be open and 100% frank and forthcoming is not supported by evidence. As a leader, I have to keep my team energised and enthusiastic, …
Read More »To switch off from business and de-stress my go to solution is by James Trevelyan
We are blessed with the greatest endowment of flowering plants here in Western Australia. My diverstion from thinking about Coolzy is wander through natural bushland and photograph these amazing flowers. Here are some samples: https://adobe.ly/34dh1lb. Such natural beauty focuses my mind on sustainability and respect for nature. How could it …
Read More »What is your greatest business extravagance? by James Trevelyan
Paying for the best available expertise to cover knowledge gaps: most times this has been a rewarding experience.
Read More »What one thing do you feel makes the biggest impact on company culture? by James Trevelyan
In my opinion, it is accurate listening. When people know they have been listened to, they feel respected, and they are more likely to listen to others.
Read More »What is your fondest memory of something that happened in your business? by James Trevelyan
My wife is my harshest critic. In 2013 I set up the first prototype personal air conditioner (Coolzy) in our Islamabad bedroom with an indoor temperature hovering around 40C for months every year. There was a cute tent on the bed to hold the cool air in place. I showed …
Read More »What mistake have you made that you learnt the most from?
Until I learned about active listening, I made the mistake of assuming that hearing was equivalent to listening. Since I learned to listen attentively, and contextually, I have learned more than I ever dreamed of. There’s a great book that I have used extensively: “People Skills” by Robert Bolton. I …
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