Hey there! Welcome to the Hurwitz.tv “Leaders” interview series, where we chat with the leaders in tech and business to discuss the latest industry trends and developments. In this series, you’ll hear from CEOs, CTOs, and other thought leaders as they share their insights on everything from AI to Investing.
In this interview, we talk to Aviv Harkov from Intuit.
What productivity tips have helped you significantly?
Every day I write out a win list and a to do list.
My win list has up to 3 things that if I do them then the day was successful. My to-do list features other important or urgent things I should do but that aren’t what I need to do to win.
I found that I would do whatever grabbed my attention. This led to me accidentally avoiding what actually moved the needle. The split list is my way of trying to focus on what matters most.
I bought a cube timer on Aliexpress that I use to set time for tasks. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to sit down and get things done. The timer gives me 5 minutes to settle in my chair and then however many minutes is reasonable to get it done. It makes tasks a race against myself in a way.
What are some mindset tips you need to have when running a business?
Try to understand what you can control and what is beyond your control. We all have the tendency to focus a lot of our energy on things we have little to no influence on. For example, the economy, politics, or enterprises’ long sales cycles. Try to focus on building resilient companies, creating delightful products and how we treat people.
What are some of your favorite books or articles that have impacted the way you think?
Not a book or an article, but something much better. My grandparent’s stories about their lives. I can quote them word for word but there is nothing like hearing my grandfather say “I arrived in America with $500, a wife and baby but no plan.”
Carrion Comfort – One of the darkest and most original books I’ve ever read. My gut instinct was to roll my eyes when a loved one suggested a book about Nazis and vampires. Luckily, I trusted them to try it. This book makes you think about humanity and question your morality. Please don’t fall into the temptation to categorize it with Twilight. It’s well written and keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Nutrition Science’s Most Preposterous Result – Ice cream has always been my favorite food but this article made it my favorite health food. The internet is a wonderful place that can justify all our vices. Luckily mine is only frozen dairy…
Who is someone who has really impacted your work? It can be a family member, friend, mentor, public persona, etc.
I try to learn something from everyone.
But you’d be amazed what you can learn from the people you admire and the people who you admire a bit less. Learning what not to do or how not to behave is as important as learning what you do want to do.
I’m also blessed to have had some wonderful mentors and bosses over the years. These are only a few of them.
Zaki Djemal taught me to lead with kindness and generosity.
Gadi Shevach Nevo taught me to never lower my standards and to always be a class act.
I learned to strive for excellence from my mother and got my work ethic from my grandfather.
What are your thoughts on the future of technology and how it will impact business?
Prophecy is not one of my strengths but I believe that a lot of the daily grunt work will be handled by AI. All the bureaucracy and joy sucking activities that day to day life requires can and will be automated. It will let us and especially business owners like the ones we support at Intuit focus on what we love doing most.
Who would you love to have lunch with?
Herzl because yes, I am still a cheesy enthusiastic olah after 18 years in Israel. It would be amazing to see him process that his dream came true but in a way he could have never imagined.
I’d love to get a drink with Kevin Feige. The man is a business genius and visionary. Plus, with enough alcohol he might let out some Marvel spoilers!
