Leaders Perception Magazine is currently running an interview series called – The Future Frontier: Insights from Diverse Leaders
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Garrett Yamasaki, the Founder of We Love Doodles. With a background in software engineering at Google, Garrett’s passion for pets and technology led him to create a thriving e-commerce platform for doodle enthusiasts worldwide. As we look ahead to 2024, Garrett shares his hopes and expectations for the year, both personally and professionally. He also discusses the impact of technological advancements on the pet industry, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and his favorite quote that guides his entrepreneurial journey. Join us as we delve into Garrett’s insights and experiences in this exclusive interview.
Garrett Yamasaki, We Love Doodles: Innovating in the Pet Industry
Interviewee Name: Garrett Yamasaki
Company: We Love Doodles
Garrett Yamasaki’s favourite quote: My favorite quote, and one that has guided me through my entrepreneurial journey, is by Steve Jobs: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” This quote encapsulates the essence of my approach to both technology and business. It’s a constant reminder that to lead in any industry, especially one as dynamic as the digital marketplace, innovation is not just an option; it’s a necessity.
The Interview
Thank you so much for joining us today! Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your backstory?
Garrett Yamasaki : I’m Garrett Yamasaki, and my journey into the digital and pet industries began after a fulfilling career as a software engineer at Google. My passion for pets, particularly doodles, combined with my tech background, led me to create We Love Doodles. Our platform started as a passion project but quickly evolved into a thriving e-commerce and community hub for doodle enthusiasts worldwide. It’s a testament to my belief in leveraging technology to bring people together around shared interests and values.
As we embark on the journey into 2024, what are your hopes and expectations for the year ahead, both personally and professionally?
Garrett Yamasaki : Personally, I aim to strike a better balance between my entrepreneurial endeavors and my personal life, ensuring I spend quality time with my family and, of course, my doodles.
Professionally, my goal is to continue to innovate within the pet industry, enhancing our platform’s user experience with AI and machine learning to offer even more personalized and engaging content. I also plan to deepen our commitment to sustainability, ensuring our operations and products reflect the eco-conscious values of our community.
How do you see technological advancements influencing your field or industry in the coming year, and what opportunities or challenges do they present?
Garrett Yamasaki : These technological advancements are set to dramatically enhance how we understand and engage with our customers, as they present opportunities to personalize the shopping experience at an unprecedented level, from product recommendations to interactive content.
As a leader or aspiring leader, what role do you believe diversity, equity, and inclusion will play in shaping the future of your industry, and how are you working to promote these values within your sphere of influence?
Garrett Yamasaki : DEI is foundational to building a resilient and innovative business. In the pet industry, where community is everything, fostering an environment that welcomes diverse perspectives is key to understanding and serving our broad customer base. Our company is committed to promoting these values by ensuring our team reflects the diversity of our community and by creating content that speaks to a wide array of experiences and backgrounds. Moving forward, we’ll continue to seek out and amplify underrepresented voices, both within our company and the broader industry.
Leaders Perception would like to thank Garrett Yamasaki and We Love Doodles for the time dedicated to completing this interview and sharing their valuable insights with our readers!
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