I’m Carlos Watson, CEO of OZY Media and This Is How I Work
Carlos Watson is a journalist at heart. He got it from his father, who grew up in the Jamaican countryside and found inspiration in the news. Carlos has made a career on TV and in the news, and the last three years implemented its own vision of the media in ozy Media .
He also hosts Point Taken on PBS, is the editor-in-chief of his own website Ozy.com in addition to the head of the company, and recently released a series called The Contenders 16 for ’16 , which compares 16 past presidential campaigns. We got in touch with Carlos to find out a little about how he works.
Location: Heart of Silicon Valley: Mountain View, California. (The best city in the world! A hub for innovation and creativity, a place where the impossible is possible. Current job: Co-founder and CEO of OZY Media, Editor-in-Chief of OZY.com , a daily source of information for important stories. Nowhere else. One word that is best describes how you work: works hard Managed Can’t stop, won’t stop Current mobile device: iPhone 6 but needs an update Current computer: MacBook Air
First of all, tell me a little about your past and how you became who you are today. Why news and media?
I grew up in Miami with two teachers. Both of my parents loved to learn and have shared this with my three sisters and myself. My father, Carlos S.R., particularly enjoyed the news. Growing up in the countryside of Jamaica, the news gave him hope that his life might be bigger than the one he saw in front of him. He eventually made it to the United States, went through college, and became a teacher. He always had a love of news – indeed, his love of news was intellectual and emotional. He passed this on to me when I was growing up reading the news, watching Nightline and Sunday morning shows, listening to NPR and more. So as I got older, I naturally gravitated towards journalism opportunities at The Miami Herald and Detroit Free Press, and then CNN, Fox, and MSNBC.
What apps, software or tools can’t you live without?
OZY.com of course! But also Uber, HotelTonight , Netflix, Google Search and Xfinity Live.
How is your workplace arranged?
I have several jobs. At home, I look out the window on the second floor, my laptop is on the table in front of me, and below me is a large soft chair. Coffee is usually on the sidelines. Blank white sheets of paper on which I can draw slides are usually nearby as well. My phone, like me, switches between it and my laptop. In the office, I have the same setup. And on planes and trains well …
What’s your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
Believe it or not, my sexy old school cell phone headset helps me the most. When I don’t have the right headset, my work efficiency drops by literally 50%.
Another tip – I believe in clear agendas and timelines. I also believe that you just do it without fear – call, not just send an email and hope. Hop on a plane and seize this amazing opportunity, not just wait for firm confirmation and then agree to fly. Go get it! All grabs are allowed.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
Lists are generally critical to me. Everyone who works with me knows to number email messages if they want a response. Every project must have a list, and every item on that list must have an owner and a deadline.
What are some of your best everyday activities? What’s your secret?
Don’t overload yourself with multitasking. My secret – I know that I am not perfect, like no one else. So give it your best shot and don’t get discouraged if there are multiple balls in the air.
What are you reading now?
New York Times. Reading Jeff Hobbs’ The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Pease.
How do you replenish? What do you do when you want to forget about work?
Playing basketball is my favorite way. But this is not enough for me. I love watching great TV shows like Peaky Blinders , Atlanta and Billions . And, of course, a trip – from Iceland to Zimbabwe!
What is your sleep pattern? Are you a night owl or get up early?
I usually stay up late. Unfortunately, these days I’m lucky if I get 5-6 hours. I sleep on my back, covered with a warm blanket.
Fill in the blank: I would like _________ to answer these same questions.
[JPMorgan Chase CEO] Jamie Dimon or President Barack Obama
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“It shouldn’t be easy.” – Lauren Powell Jobs
What else would you like to add that might be of interest to readers and fans?
Every day I am sincerely grateful for the life that I have and for the opportunities that I had. I am well aware that many people around the world go to bed a little hungry every night, face real danger and / or do not have someone to love them. I was lucky to be born in the family where I was born and in the country in which I was born. My mother, may she rest in peace, was the best mother I have ever met. I hope I can give to others.
This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.