I started out my career at a hedge fund in New York.
That bump in the road ended up being the catalyst for NerdWallet.
That, and my sister Kim asking me for advice on which credit card to get.
Thats when I realized how much of a barrier the complexity of information is for consumers.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
I put my phone on nighttime mode, and I shut down everything when Im working.
I get highly distracted otherwise.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I sit next to our CPO in an open workspace.
My desk is pretty bareits basically my computer and a few knick-knacks from my wife and colleagues.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
This is going to sound socially offensive, but I dont check my email on a daily basis.
Instead, I do it in batches every two to three days.
During work hours, I focus on the actual work so I avoid looking at emails.
Meetings can take up more than half of a work day.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
I dont use one!
So I actively avoid making that a habit.
I do however keep a parking lot of administrative stuff in Evernote.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
I stay very emotionally calibrated, which is probably a lesson from my investing days.
Im generally less pessimistic during downturns and less optimistic during good times than the average person.
What do you listen to while you work?
I prefer silence while at work, but on my commutes I listen to podcasts.
Afterwards, I often feel like I have a better perspective about things that are top of mind.
What are you currently reading, or whats something youd recommend?
Ive been obsessed with understanding the divides within this country since last November.
How do you recharge?
What do you do when you want to forget about work?
Whats your favorite side project?
Ive started sketching a book about some of the people Ive met around the country during user research trips.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Are you a night owl or early riser?
Then, before bed, my wife and I talk about one thing were grateful for every night.
Achievement-oriented people are always focused on whats the next thing, what could be better.
Its a way to foster more appreciation and mindfulness.
And we feel really happy afterwards.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see ____ answer these questions.
I feel you get the most interesting insights from people you dont agree with, so Kim Jong Un.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Opportunity is a graph.
On one axis, its what you do, and the other axis who you tell.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
This interview has been lightly edited.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
