Justin McMurray is the co-founder of Somewhere, a visual work platform designed to show how the world works. He lives in Berlin where he enjoys drinking good coffee, Feierabendbier and the odd whisky (while trying not miss Sydney’s beaches too much).
Why does the world need a work revolution? (In other words: the way we’re working isn’t working. Why not?)
Work is more than just a job. It’s an integral part of a person’s identity, expression and life.
How are you or your organization reinventing work in some way (big or small)?
Somewhere’s ambition is to show how the world works. When people visually express what they do and how they do it, it provides the inspiration and means to find the people you should be working with.
Why do you do what you do?
Work is a huge determinant of a happy life, but it’s extraordinarily difficult to find the right place and the right people. I want to help people around the world find work that matters.
What kind of art (any kind) do you like and why? Any recommendations we should know about?
I love street art. I even went to the trouble of documenting the street art on the doors of Berlin. 😉 www.berlindoors.com
What is one specific thing your company does that makes your culture unique and/or different?
We like being part of a creative community which is why we located in a co-working space for our first year (betahaus | berlin). It helped create a more open, generous and welcoming spirit within our small team.
What is one discipline/industry totally different from your own that has inspired you? How does it impact your work?
I like the Slow Food movement. It turned what was perceived a liability into a rallying cry for something more genuine and healthy. Good things take time.
What’s one tangible and concrete technique other organizations should use if they want to create a more human and/or meaningful place to work?
Organizations need to be more open and expressive about what they’re really like, what they do and how they work. Dan Harmon said it best, “Find your voice, shout it from the rooftops, and keep doing it until the people that are looking for you find you.”
What is one surprising thing we should know about you?
I moved to the bitterly cold and frequently wintery city of Berlin even though my greatest delight is swimming in the surf at one of the amazing beaches in my home town of Sydney.
What is “required reading” or “required viewing” for people who want to understand what makes you tick?
- Paul Graham’s ‘How to do what you love’ is extraordinary: http://www.paulgraham.com/love.html
- I’m obsessed with learning so am pretty much addicted to the podcast ‘Stuff You Should Know’: http://www.stuffyoushouldknow.com/
- And then there’s the daily dose of Bondi surf and beach beauty: http://www.aquabumps.com/
Where in the world are you?
Berlin, Germany
How can people connect with you?
http://twitter.com/juzmcmuz
