Busy day today as we powered down all non-essential items in the office again for the second time this year.
The first time was a much more rushed affair back in January, in preparation for the floods – this time it was a more planned approach, necessitated as the building manager is implementing preventative measures to protect the building, should it ever flood the same way again.
As you would probably be aware, the Brisbane River broke its banks last Tuesday (11th January) and flooded a significant part of the city.
We were mostly lucky – most of our homes escaped inundation, as did our office (but only just). The following image gives you some idea of how fortunate we were:
The black dog of depression is no stranger to my extended family.
Indeed, when you cobble together our various breeds of black dog, throw in a black sheep or two, and include the odd black swan, flown the coop at coole (or perhaps even a purple cow), we’ve created a menagerie that would make Ol’ MacDonald proud.
However I understand we’re far from alone, and that mental health is a pressing issue for many families around the country, and around the world.
Which is why I’ve signed up to spurn the razor for a month.
To anyone who has to meet me over the coming month, my apologies in advance.
I know it affects both men and women, young and old, and that the Movember initiative is specifically targeted at guys (plus it’s only half the focus). It’s a place to start.
Hence I’d like to rustle together as many of my friends, rapscallions, colleagues, clients, and other acquaintances (plus others connected more virtually via LinkedIn and Twitter):
My donation page is here
http://au.movember.com/mospace/807204/.
Whatever you can give, I would thank you for your support!
(Read out loud in your deepest voice)
In a world where robots control information
In a world gone mad
One man stands alone
From the creators of global-roam
The true story of a disgruntled programmer
And his quest for data
Coming this summer to a url near you…
read more »
Dear valued clients (that means all of you),
This week we have had new business cards printed and I have personally changed my email signature. My new job title is “Magician, Miracle Worker and Mind Reader”, which is so much more fun and interesting than my old title “Product Manager”.
Of course I am not actually a magician, do not read minds or work miracles. I do, however, seek to understand your needs better so that I can better serve you and grow myself as an individual.
When I say I seek to be a mind reader, what I mean is that I wish to understand and learn about your needs. When I say I seek to be a magician, I mean that I desire to be able to conjure the best solution to your problems. When I say I seek to work miracles, I mean that I wish to provide you with service so exceptional it will appear miraculous.
Obviously I have a long way to go and learning how to do these things is a large part of my professional growth. I would be particularly interested in any comments or suggestions that you have in how I can better accomplish my goal of being the best product manager around. Please let me know what you think, I’d love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Stephen Hurn
Magician, Miracle Worker and Mind Reader
A friend linked me this amusing video on the power industry, so I thought I would share it here.