Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Crystal Gallo. I’m an adventure and travel addict, an avid animal lover and food enthusiast. I hold loyalty and trust in high regard and no matter what I do, I make sure it aligns to my values and contributes to a legacy I’m proud of. Oh, and most of my time goes to running a software company in Vermont
What is one habit of yours that helps you be productive?
I’m a meticulous planner and prefer to work backwards from my goal to ensure I prioritize time on the highest value slices. I love challenges so I’m always looking for new ways and areas to stretch myself. As long as I’m challenged and contributing to something I’m passionate about, I stay focused and productive.
What is your morning routine and how does it help you get the most out of your day?
I’m not a lover of early mornings, but I make sure I spend time before work organizing my thoughts and outlining critical work for the day. Once I enter the office or become available online, my focus becomes supporting my team so it’s important I have my house in order.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
The past few years I’ve become even more disciplined at saying no to things that don’t support my goals, my values or the legacy I want to leave. Setting healthy boundaries and embracing NO has been really powerful for me as it’s given me a renewed appreciation for respecting myself and where I invest my time.
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
I shut off all distractions and head outdoors. Fresh air and movement clears my mind and gives me the space to reflect and refocus.
What is one piece of software or a web service that you get immense value out of? How do you use it?
Slack isn’t for everything but when you are moving fast and your workday is dynamic it makes communication more fluid, especially if you have people connecting from different parts of the world.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
Acting and speaking with intention is something that has always been important to me. This book expands on the power of not only having competence but more importantly, trusting relationships as they are the path to influence.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
Who is influencing who. It’s about the path to influence and how you get to where you want to go. Always prioritize principles before outcome and never give your soul to something you don’t believe in.
Ignore anyone that says you don’t deserve or can’t. Instead invest your time watching and learning from those that inspire and lead by example. Some of the best lessons are felt and/or observed.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it. – William Arthur Ward
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou
