About Jeff Ma
My name is Jeff Ma, and I’m a fierce advocate for bringing humanity back to the workplace. I host the Love as a Business Strategy podcast, I am a co-author of the best-selling book Love as a Business Strategy, and I am a co-creator of the Seneca Leaders Training Experience.
You can find me online at Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter
How Do You Deal With Fear?
Whenever I can, I try to face my fears with a growth mindset. It’s easy to take on a victim attitude when faced with intimidating situations and obstacles, but being able to see the opportunities to learn from failure and overcome my fears helps me to face them head on.
How Do You Deal With Rejection?
I’ve always struggled with rejection in my life, but having a close group of people that I trust around me is the key to how I deal with it today. No matter what type of rejection I face out in the world, I am able to not only get love and support – but also perspective and feedback to help me in the future.
What’s the Name of Your Company? What Exactly Does Your Company Do, How Do You Help People?
We are Softway. We are a tech company focused on transforming workplace cultures. We help leaders and teams understand how their individual behaviors contribute to the overall culture and performance of the company.
Name One of the Biggest Challenges You Have Faced and How Did You Overcome It?
Traveling the world to deliver Seneca Leaders to thousands of leaders. The schedule was hectic, there were so many risks and unknowns, and so much work to be done. But we pulled it off by relying on each other, trusting each other, and pushing each other.
What Piece of Advice Do You Wish Someone Had Given You at the Start of Your Career?
Look for real, genuine relationships everywhere you go. Networking is good, but only goes so far. The most important aspect of my career has not been how wide my network goes, but how deep. Having coworkers (past and present) that I truly share a relationship with has helped me grow and evolve every step of the way.
Who Are Your Biggest Influences and People You Admire and Why?
My mentor for almost the entire last decade has been Mohammad Anwar (my CEO, co-author, and friend). It’s hard for me to think of anyone I look up to more – he’s inspired me along the way so many times I’ve lost count.
Name a Person Who Helped You Along the Way?
Almost everyone at Softway has played a role in my journey thus far. It’s been enlightening, humbling, and inspiring to be able to work with this special group of people. I am fortunate to have folks around me that are willing to get uncomfortable and give me tough feedback when I need it – and that has been invaluable.
What Do You See as Your Greatest Success in Life, So Far?
My wife and kids are my greatest success so far.
What Book Would You Recommend and Why?
A bit biased, but “Love as a Business Strategy”. It’s full of honest sharing of a business’s transformative journey from a toxic culture to one centered around love.
What’s a Personal Self-Talk, Mantra, Affirmation or Self-Belief That Contributes to Your Success?
If you’re not embarrassed by who you were last year, you’re probably not learning enough.
