Who is Cliff Hazell?
I really enjoying taking photographs, specifically interesting panoramic shots. Some of my favourites are of Baines Baobab in the Nxai Pan, Botswana and various views of and from Table Mountain. This photo is of me taking a panoramic photo over The Burren, Ireland, near the Cliffs of Moher.
Cliff was proposed by Cara and Rian.
Here is what Rian has to say about Cliff.
I first met Cliff when he grilled me on a Product Management talk I gave at a meetup. I’ve liked him ever since. Cliff doesn’t have time for nonsense, and he is not shy about communicating his strong and well-considered thoughts. That’s a great characteristic of a Product Manager. So, read on, and let’s learn from him!
What is something people usually don’t know about you but has influenced you in who you are?
I was a boy scout for most of my early childhood. Growing up in the bush or on the river taught me many things about freedom and about the value of time spent doing what you love. Experimenting around how to make the best fire, waterproof shelter and map work and topography taught valuable lessons about failure and resilience.
What would have become of you, if you were not doing the job you do today?
Architecture, most likely. Its always fascinated me, how permanent design choices are in this field, and therefore how important they are.
What is your biggest challenge and why is it a good thing for you?
I often ignore the softer side of relationships, this means for effective coaching and training I need to rely more on my team mates (and pairing) skills and strengths.
Which in turn leads to a far better result overall.
What drives you?
Exceptionally well designed systems and products.
I find this is achieved through continuous focus on Improvement.
What is your biggest achievement?
Creating and Heading up the Product Team at Web Africa, which successfully improved Customer Happiness ratings by 20% points.
Is there a piece of music that has a special meaning for you?
The piano arrangement of “The Robins Return”, remind me of my Grand father, and the many lessons he taught me about craftsmanship and taking pride in your endeavours.
What is the last book you have read?
Competing Against Time by George Stalk.
What question do you think we should also ask and what is the answer?
Whom do you think we should ask next in South Africa?
Whom do you think we should ask next, not in South Africa?
How would you define your relation to the South African Agile community?
Active and Curious. Would love to see more world class events locally, as well as more representation of local talent internationally. Specifically around moving from Agile being an “IT Thing” to being an Organisational journey.
Johannesburg, September 2013
How to connect with Cliff
Twitter: @ixhd
Linked In: za.linkedin.com/pub/cliff-hazell/0/289/517