Jayson Heffner of Clockwork on Go-Giving, Re-inspiration, and His Super Cool Italian Dream Car
What is the one book people should read to understand what you do?
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. It's a series of stories about a salesperson who is trying to hit some end-of-quarter sales numbers. But he realizes going out and helping others is ultimately what ends up paying him back. That’s a basic principle but, when you read the book, it helps bring all that home. It's really given me pause, to prompt me change my mindset so I’m trying to help people. We all know the principle—think first about how you can help—but you have to be reminded of it in sales because you become so fixated on hitting a number.
What have you seen lately that’s been inspiring?
I have recently been reinspired by the last lecture by Randy Pausch. He was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Professors used to hypothetically ask, “if I was dying, what would my last lecture be?” Well, he actually was dying so he delivered this lecture. It’s about about chasing your dreams, and it’s really touching.
What’s your favorite desktop/office item?
I have a picture of the ship my grandfather was on in the Pacific in the Second World War—the USS Saint Croix. During that time, he wrote in his journal every day and we still have that journal. When I’m having a hard day, it gives me some perspective.
What are you excited about now?
I’m excited about building my LinkedIn brand. I’m trying to put out some new content every day and lean into the notion of being a Go-Giver. It’s partly about driving work to Clockwork but it’s also about finding out what I’m good at, what my voice is, and where I can add value. Ironically, I’m on no other social sites.
What website other than the major social, search, and news sites, do you have bookmarked?
I’m a car enthusiast, and this is an auction site for classic and exotic cars. It’s fun to see some really unique cars but it’s also fun to see people’s perspective on them and what they go for. My personal dream car is an early 80s Lamborghini Countach. It’s like a Delorean but even cooler.
I worked with Jayson Heffner back at Design Center, a software firm with a remarkable commitment to deeply understanding what software users really need. I judge all UX today by that standard. In his new position at Clockwork, Jayson brings that same intense curiosity and empathy to all his business relationships—which makes him one of the most authentically connected people I know.
You can connect with him here.
