Hi I’m Lawrence! I create software, scale teams, and use technology to enable creative ideation.

I believe that brands should constantly seek opportunities for innovation and growth by combining technology, strategy, insights and killer creative. The brands who do this best understand and respect cultural cues and are not afraid of making big strategic bets. They also understand what’s important to their customers at various touch points throughout their journey.

 

For as long as I can remember, I've always tinkered with stuff and had a strong desire to create things. Tracing this back to my childhood, my father had a unique profession as a Jeweler and Master Watchmaker. At a very young age, I would observe him meticulously creating beautiful jewelry. He was also able to complete disassemble a watch, remove these really small components and repair it. I always found this fascinating and I believe this is what led me to become a programmer.

My Dad at work in his element; concepting and realizing his creative vision.

Although we worked in different mediums, his a very tangible and finite one and mine entirely digital where everything is malleable. I've grown to realize the parallels between my father and me. Quite simply, my Dad was a tinker and a creator, and I'm the same. The reason why I truly enjoy what I do is because I get to work with brands to create products and services which brings tangible value to a consumer.

Thoughts on leadership

There are leaders and there are those who lead. Leaders hold a position of power or influence. Those who lead inspire us.” — Simon Sinek

When I read Simon Sinek's Start With Why, I pondered on the meaning of his bold statement and introspectively asked myself, "Am I a leader, or do I lead?" In case you're wondering, leaders, get elected but those who lead do so naturally. The next question I asked myself was, "How well do I lead? Do I lead with empathy, or do I lead to get results?"

As a programmer who eventually made his way into the ranks of management, I didn't understand what it meant to lead until I failed at it, learned from it, and grew. Failure has taught me perseverance, and perseverance has reaffirmed my purpose. My experiences and coaching have taught me firsthand that what makes a great leader is not leading for results but leading with empathy and trusting that the efficacy of your leadership will manifest when you empower your team to be their best.