As vice president of software engineering at DAQRI, Byron Han has a sizeable to-do list, but one task matters above all else: to build the ultimate augmented reality experience. Read on to find out how he tackles that goal without being a jerk (his words) — and why his peers have come to call him “The Chairman.”
WHERE HE WORKS: DAQRI builds professional-grade AR hardware and software for enterprise and industrial customers.
MOST EXCITING ITEM ON HIS LIST: I have one thing on my to-do list — make an awesome product, from soup to nuts. That includes every last detail of the user experience, from installation and training to how my user interface elements flow in 3D space. It’s overwhelming at first glance.
ONE ITEM? YOU SURE?: Actually, I have two. We’ll get to the other one later.
HOW HE TACKLES THIS: Lots of lists, and lists of lists. I break tasks down into reasonably sized stories and then prioritize based on what has or will have the biggest impact on our customers. I pick solutions that balance being forward-thinking and being too short-sighted.
HOW HE CELEBRATES TASK COMPLETION: Go on to the next item on the list? Seriously though, we celebrate the teams that make it all happen — especially those who work on the unglamorous and unsung tasks. I used to be in charge of setting up after-hours parties, so I became the “Party Chairman,” or “the Chairman” for short. Sleep can wait.
TOUGHEST ITEM ON LIST: That’s the other item on my to do list — “don’t be a jerk.”
HOW HE DOES IT: I work hard at listening to what people have to say, being empathetic, caring about people as well as the product and not being political when I make decisions. I try to remember every bad manager I’ve ever had, and do the exact opposite.
WHAT HE’LL DO WHEN HE CROSSES OFF ITEM: It’s a work in progress. I’ll let you know.
