How to create a business that is scalable into multiple global markets – Hank Rowe
Hank Rowe is the New Zealand Launcher for Lime Scooters. Lime is a micro-mobility company committed to improving city living and urban transformation. From working with Lime and previously working for Uber, Hank has gained an ample amount of experience in the ride-share industry and a passion for working towards a cleaner, healthier planet.
What is your morning routine?
I am a dreaded breakfast skipper so my morning routine is simple. Wake up around 630, out of bed by 7, quick catch up on the news and understand my schedule for the day. Walk, bike or scoot to work, usually in the office by 8.30.
What hours do you work?
I start at 8.30 am most mornings and aim to have the computer closed by 6.30 pm. Sometimes that pushes into the night but less frequently now.
What do you do in a typical day at work?
I complete my grind as early as I can and get into the rest of my day, this can be anything from planning experiments to working on pitch documents to meeting with government.
Why do you think a lot of businesses fail to seize the future?
Planning for what comes next is important. We have seen examples of industries that have failed to innovate when they are in a dominant position. As Lincoln said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
What should businesses do to start opening their eyes to the future opportunities?
Accept change is natural. We are coming into a time in human history that is unlike anything we have ever seen. In the next few decades we will see a fundamental change in the way we live. We will see a change from that change being impossible, to it being inevitable. As an incumbent in any industry you must be open to that change when it presents itself.
Over the next 5 years, what industries in New Zealand do you see having the most exciting opportunities?
The cheating answer is transport. There are so many more that have major innovations in the pipe, examples include the food industry and banking. It should also be noted that the moniker of crypto “currency” has meant that a lot of people discount blockchain innovations are siloed into the finance realm. The issue with that is that the tech is not unique to transactions and has the capacity to change a lot of industries in the next couple of decades.
What process do you use to work on complex problems?
Acknowledging the overwhelming nature of complex problems is always there. My pattern for a long time has been divide and conquer. I also like to think outside the box. Just because a problem is complex does not mean that the solution has to be complex. It is always important to get your head out of the weeds and work on a problem from different angles.
What are the most important traits and skills for potential employees?
Problem solving, a good problem solver is the best addition to a team.
What is the biggest hurdle for your business?
Scaling against caps is always hard. We are working with governments all over the world on the best way to regulate shared micromobility. Safety is obviously a massive concern for the business and one we continue to address as we grow and change.
You can meet Hank when he speaks at the M2 Success Summit on Wednesday 24 July 2019, about “How to create a business that is scalable into multiple global markets”, learn more by clicking here.
