Micro-Interview: Kevan Lee, VP of Marketing @ Buffer

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kevan Lee is the VP of Marketing at Buffer, a tool I use (and love) every day. He also teaches at Boise State. I’ve been following Kevan for years — on Twitter and via his newsletter — and feel incredibly fortunate to have him on for a Micro-Interview. 

In only 306 words, Kevan shares: 

• A tell-tale sign you’re in a great job... 

• The circumstances he fails under the most... 

• The most inspiring book for his creativity, writing, and life philosophy… 

And more…

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Thank you, Kevan.

Let’s get started:

“What’s your work routine?”

I begin each day by going through all emails and Slack messages (IBZ) so that my teammates are not stuck on anything or waiting on me. 

Then my day consists of a 1-3-5 checklist: I try to do one big thing, three medium things, and five small things.

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“What do you know about your work now that you wish you’d known when you first started?”

A sign that you're in a great job is that there is too much exciting stuff you want to get to and not enough time to get to it all. 

I used to think of that as a problem, not as a positive. I've since learned to prioritize and to feel productive doing the things I set out to do and not trying to do it all.

“What did your biggest professional failure teach you?”

Most of my failures happen when I try to do too much myself and don't involve others early on. 

I enjoy working independently and want to grow as an interdependent teammate.

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“What’s the #1 thing that has helped you shorten your craft’s learning curve?”

"Perfect is the enemy of done." 

I feel like shipping is the way that I learn fastest, and I have grown more comfortable shipping at 95% rather than 100%. 

“What book has helped you the most over your career?”

Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird has been the most inspiring book for my creativity and writing and life philosophy. 

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland has been helpful in shaping my marketing perspective.

“And your parting piece of advice?”

"You have what it takes!" 

Self-doubt and impostor syndrome are normal and universal, and sometimes all you need is a reminder (from yourself or from others) that you made it where you are for a reason and that you can do it.

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