Max Bluvband is the Co-Founder & CEO of AppsVillage, a mobile app creation platform that enables small, medium and large businesses to create engaging professional applications.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your background and career?
I graduated from university having studied Computer Science and Mathematics and I got my first job as a Quantitative Analyst at a small software company.
I always had a keen interest in business and working there taught me a lot about how businesses operate. I have since had numerous business ventures and founded several companies.
It’s funny for me to look back at how my career has panned out, as it is a world away from what I expected. I am a vegan and grew up wanting to be a vet!
2) What is your current role and what does it entail on a day to day basis?
I am the founder and the CEO of AppsVillage, a SaaS company that has developed software that allows small business to create an app to engage with their customers and market themselves.
It is a busy role and sometimes I feel like I’ll never get to the bottom of my inbox! A normal day for me starts by opening the calendar to see what I’ve got on for the day. I then start tackling the inbox to make sure my meetings are confirmed or cancelled, and I know how the rest of the day looks.
In Israel our work week is Sunday to Thursday and on Sunday’s I sit down with all the department heads and recap what happened that week, and what our plan of action is for the coming week.
My key role is to make sure we work as a team and improve our product offering and sales figures from month to month.
3) What does a typical day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
I’m an early riser, I usually get up at 4am and read the newspaper. I then take my children to school and drive to the office.
I say good morning to everybody I see and log onto the emails to recap yesterday and see what I’ve got on for the day. I always make sure to leave the office by 6:30 at the latest so I can get to the gym and be home in time to put the kids to bed.
4) Do you have any tips, tricks or shortcuts to help you prioritise your workload
Aside from the usual organisational tricks I find using a working to do list keeps me focused. I write a list that highlights the goal and the tasks that need to be completed to get there. By doing this I give myself a clear path of progression and direction.
Aside from this, I ensure to best utilize my time and that means delegating tasks to others.
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5) In between your job, life and all your other responsibilities, how do you ensure you find some sort of balance in your life?
I never work on Saturdays and this means by work phone, laptop and other digital devices I use at work are turned off.
Being able to separate my work and home life is very important to me as when I’m with my children I want to give them my full attention and not be distracted by what may or may not be happening at the office.
I also ensure that I workout at least three times a week. This could be the gym or going for a run or a swim, but I find it a great stress management tool. It helps me focus and sleep better.
6) What are some of the things you do to take time out and recharge?
I really like music and I am lucky enough to be able to play a few instruments, so I usually spend my weekends making or listening to music. I also go to the gym or meditate.
I also think my children are a great influence on me. They’re just so oblivious to certain things and its very refreshing to see their perspective.
7) What do you think are some of the best habits you’ve developed over the years to help you strive for success and balance?
Patience most of all, especially after four children!
I always make sure to tell people when they do a good job, it takes no time at all and they get such a sense of reward from it.
8) Are there any books you’ve read that have helped you with work-life balance?
I am very spiritual and often practice meditation to shut myself off from the world and recently read the book ‘The power of now’ by Eckhart Tolle.
9) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
Make sure I have a look outlook for the day. Positive mind equals positive day.
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