In addition to 99U, heswrittenfor outlets such asFortune,Fast Company,GQ, and ESPN.
We asked him about his own creative work.
I didnt have a job, place to live, or friend in the tri-state area.
(Incidentally, there is very little in common between Iowa City and New York City.)
If you do this hundreds of times, you’re able to eventually get somewhere.
Our pieces are about how people create and build their careers.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
Twitter app, HBO Go app,Delta Messenger app, and Microsoft Word (old school).
Whats your workspace setup like?
Ive also moved my office phone underneath my desk.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
Given this workload, we cant afford to waste any time, so we rarely hold meetings.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
Pen and paper; to-do items get listed from most to least important.
I go down the list and cross out what I accomplish.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
What do you listen to while you work?
I spend the first hour of my day listening toSquawk Box.
When Im writing and editing, Ill listen to John Mayer on repeat.
What are you currently reading?
Or whats something youd recommend?
The Snowball, a book about Warren Buffett.
Its a fascinating human narrative about an amazing investor.
Favorite book ever isA Confederacy of Dunces.
Ignatius J. Reilly is my spirit animal.
How do you recharge?
What do you do when you want to forget about work?
Two words: Whisky + beer.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Are you a night owl or early riser?
Being a new dad, I now consider 7 a.m. on the weekends to be sleeping in.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _________ answer these same questions.
Donald J. TrumpI am sure he has a wickedly awesome life hack.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Nothing but your best, a quote shared by Coach Brown, my high school running coach in Iowa.
This interview has been lightly edited.
