Q&A with Nima Nabavi, Forty Under 40 winner 2020; Founder and CEO, ExcelSense Technologies Corp. , Age 38
Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
I believe work ethics develop as part of how you are raised. I characterize both my parents as very responsible. My father is a serial entrepreneur in the chemical engineering sector, and possesses a strong work ethic.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Enjoying good food and wine, and finding hidden gems with my wife.
What is the best book you would recommend?
One book that comes to mind is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
Now that you’re entering your 40s, what goals have you set for yourself?
To ensure ExcelSense grows exponentially. I would also like to travel with my wife once the COVID crisis is behind us.
Choose one of these five childhood career dreams: Rock star, star athlete, prime minister, astronaut, detective.
I like science, engineering, solving problems and exploration. Becoming an astronaut would be a good hypothetical career choice for me.
Name your happiest place.
My happiest place would be in nature – skiing, hiking, running or snorkelling.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
To quit my well-paying job to start ExcelSense based on a technology which was yet to be invented.
Advice you would give your 20-year-old self?
High-calibre partners and employees are more expensive on a monthly basis, but that pales in comparison to the cost of employees who aren’t proficient.
What is your best habit?
I try to take nothing for granted. I also live in the present.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
I love movies and documentaries about survival.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Learn from the past, but don’t live in the past.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Founding ExcelSense Technologies, forming an exceptional team and seeing the impact of its products on safety and operational efficiency in 15 distinct categories of applications.
