Our monthly KORE Connections series strives to humanise the thought leaders and customer champions that keep KORE running daily, giving you a face to put behind the groundbreaking technology and innovative solutions you know and love. This month, we’re ready to bring you insider details on the genius behind KORE’s product management realm, Steven Baker, KORE’s Chief Product Officer.
For the past 7 years, Steven has been a key player in product management success, identifying market needs and steering cross function teams to develop innovative solutions that not only address those needs but also contribute to revenue growth. Join us as we delve into the world of product management!
Q: What does a typical morning look like for you?
A: Mornings are more creative for me than afternoons, so first I check for important calls, chat messages, emails, tickets, VMs, and text messages and respond as needed. Then I focus on one deliverable where creative thinking is required. That could be a new market analysis, pricing model, customer ROI, contract, sales and marketing collateral, or one just catching up with team members.
Q: What was your first job?
A: Technically my first paying job at 14 was as a picker at a golf range where I rode around on a tractor with a cage. This is where I learned how mean golfers can be. I moved on to work as a swim coach, coaching over 200 children ranging from 6 to 18 years old in summer leagues. This is where I learned how mean 6-year-olds can be.
Q: What’s your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: Two quotes on integrity, from unlikely sources:
“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” - Bob Marley
“I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans are sometimes lacking it.” - Cesar Millan
Q: What excites you the most about the work our team is doing?
A: I’ve grown to greatly appreciate the ingenuity and creativity I see across all teams in KORE in achieving a common objective. For product people, it is daunting and exciting to see a product launch knowing nearly every team in the company has contributed to that process.
Q: How do you practice good time management?
A: I use Stephen Covey’s Time Management Matrix and focus on prioritising work within quadrant 2: Not urgent but important things. If you spend all your time in 1: Urgent and important, you won’t get out alive.
Q: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
A: My wonderful wife of 30 years, my amazing daughter (soon to be veterinarian), and of course all the pets we’ve had in the past and present.
Learn how you can make a difference #AtTheKORE by visiting our careers page.
In a world obsessed with connections, from fast streaming services, to building personal networks, to even connected cities and homes, it is the personal connections that matter the most – that is why we are proud to introduce KORE Connections. This forum is a Q&A series where our thought leaders and innovators can share their perspectives on life, innovations, and business which could help you in building your own connections.
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