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 Tomer Zuker, the VP Marketing of D-ID.
What productivity tips have helped you significantly?
In the initial stages of my career, I had the opportunity to participate in several time-management workshops. Although they were beneficial, the primary emphasis was on the technical aspects of managing time, such as utilizing “to-do” lists and productivity tools.
From my experience, I’ve garnered numerous insights, but I’d like to highlight the top three:
- Focus – Being inherently curious, I find myself constantly exploring new ideas and avenues of interest. However, I’ve realized that pursuing all of them simultaneously doesn’t align with achieving my set objectives. Therefore, my foremost advice is to gain a profound understanding of your goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), dedicating the majority of your time to concentrate on meeting them.
- Prioritize – The list of tasks and objectives that beckon us daily seems infinite, creating an ongoing cycle of responsibilities. Attempting to tackle everything can lead to accomplishing little, or not as effectively as possible. The key, therefore, is to consistently prioritize your tasks with an emphasis on your long-term goals, while allocating space for short-term projects and unforeseen hurdles. Recognize that prioritization is a perpetual journey with no definitive endpoint.
- Delegate – Transitioning from sales to marketing underscored the vital lesson of delegation for me. It’s essential to acknowledge that my time carries a premium value. Hence, it is prudent to delegate tasks that do not fall within your core responsibilities or areas where you cannot add significant value to the organization. Remember, safeguarding your time should be a priority, as it is your most precious asset.
What are some mindset tips you need to have when running a business?
Indeed, many clichés hold a substantial amount of truth, and this one is no exception: “the customers pay your bills”. As a business owner or a leader spearheading a division within your company, it’s imperative to place your customers at the forefront of your strategies.
Unfortunately, numerous businesses divert their attention towards fulfilling their own ambitions and preferences, overshadowing the necessity to nurture a fervent dedication to their clientele.
One of the pivotal principles ingrained in me during my tenure at Amazon was the concept of “Customer Obsession”. It’s worth noting that this guiding philosophy is equally applicable when catering to internal customers within an organization. It fosters a culture of understanding and catering to the needs of others, ensuring a cohesive and prosperous work environment.
What are some of your favorite books or articles that have impacted the way you think?
I’m a bookworm 🐛📚 I have a deep-seated passion for reading; a journey that commenced at the young age of five and has led me through an extensive array of literature.
A category that holds a special place in my heart is the biographies of illustrious business leaders. It serves as a fountain of inspiration to witness the trajectories of these individuals as they metamorphosed from nascent professionals to global icons.
Frequently, their successes are an amalgamation of acute instincts, fortuitous timing, an unwavering passion directed towards a noble cause rather than financial gains, coupled with their distinctive personal backgrounds.
I have found profound admiration for several figures in the business sphere, including the likes of Sam Walton, Howard Schultz, Jack Welch, Steve Jobs, Phil Knight, Jeff Bezos, Andy Grove, and Lee Iacocca, among others.
If you find that some of these names are unfamiliar, I ardently recommend acquainting yourself with their narratives to perhaps find a source of inspiration and a fresh perspective on leadership and success.
Who is someone who has really impacted your work? It can be a family member, friend, mentor, public persona, etc.
I’ve been really lucky to cross paths with some amazing managers who not only pushed me to excel but also nurtured my growth and encouraged me to challenge myself. Of course, I’ve also had my share of interactions with those who unfortunately lacked in the areas of management, leadership, and people skills. Yet, I wouldn’t swap out any of these experiences, the highs and the lows, as they’ve all played a role in carving my path.
Interestingly enough, when I look back, the most profound influence on my career and approach to work hasn’t come from the corporate sector, but rather from my very own home – my parents.
Their influence goes beyond their own careers; it’s rooted in the core values they passed down to me. These include being considerate of others, possessing a strong work ethic (I’ve been earning my keep since the age of 15), nurturing curiosity, embodying courage, harboring determination, and embracing passion in everything I do.
Life may not have handed me a slew of gifts, but I’m incredibly blessed to have a family that showers me with unwavering support and love, always being there to back me up. Their steadfast presence is the true gift in my life.
What are your thoughts on the future of technology and how it will impact business?
In the dynamic realm of the “Modern Workplace”, I have built my journey over several decades. During this time, I’ve witnessed the evolution of technologies, their arrival, and eventual fading away. It’s been an honour to align my path with some of the most groundbreaking companies globally, including industry behemoths like Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM. Each of these corporations has been a catalyst for change, fundamentally transforming industries and weaving themselves into the fabric of our daily lives.
Recently, my professional curiosity has steered me towards the captivating world of AI, with a special focus on generative AI. This groundbreaking technology forms the backbone of D-ID, the forward-thinking company where I proudly serve as the VP of Marketing. We are at the forefront, offering a dynamic platform that facilitates content creators, developers, and various companies in crafting and engaging with interactive talking avatars through generative technology.
Our innovation is setting new benchmarks, enhancing video content for professionals across diverse domains including marketing, entertainment, media, learning and development, along with customer experience (CX).
In my perspective, fostering the development of novel interfaces that redefine the interactions between humans and machines is an epoch-making revelation. I am elated and consider myself immensely fortunate to be an integral player in spearheading initiatives in this transformative period.
Who would you love to have lunch with?
I’d really love the chance to sit down for lunch with my grandfather, Menachem, who passed away 23 years ago when he was 80. He was not only a loving grandfather but also a Holocaust survivor. I was lucky enough to spend a big chunk of my childhood with him, listening to his stories and just watching the way he moved through the world.
It’s tough to put into words just how much he has shaped who I am today. The guy could do anything – he taught himself 8 languages, cared for the environment long before it was trendy, knew his way around a farm, could fix just about anything, made his own wine, and just really knew how to connect with people. He was the absolute best granddad anyone could ever wish for.
In tough times, I often find myself thinking about what he would do. I miss his presence immensely – his guidance, his laughter, and the lessons he shared. His memory is like a guiding light for me, always helping me find my way. I miss him so much.
