Interview Time

This is an interview that I conducted with "The Invincible" Mark Tsuchiya

What types of challenges do you face?
My biggest challenge is managing expectations. People sometimes expect overnight results from a marketing campaign … it just doesn’t happen that way. There are those “lightning-in-a-bottle” ideas that immediately have an impact, but true results take time, and I’m always sure to explain that.

How do you deal with deadline stress, difficult people, and internal politics?
The most effective way I can recommend to deal with deadline stress is to always meet your deadlines, then you don’t have to stress over them.

Difficult people are a part of life, and work life is no exception. I’ve found that listening and delivering on promises are great ways to mitigate the chance of ticking people off, even those who are sometimes difficult.

As far as internal politics go, effective internal communications strategies can go a long way towards quelling organizational politics. That’s why our administration is so supportive of our efforts to keep our employees informed. From “Breakfast with Bob” to STAT, we make a strong effort to keep the lines of communication open with staff.

What do you like or dislike about their positions?
I truly love my job. Sure, sometimes things get tough, but there’s no job out there that’s conflict free. Everyday is a challenge. I work with smart people who work hard, but aren’t apologetic about enjoying a laugh every once in a while. I have a manager and director whom I know I can count on. Most important, I think in a very insignificant way, I’m helping sick kids get well. I may not be doing the surgery, but if mom heard about our world-class surgeon from her child’s pediatrician who read a story about our surgeon in a publication I manage and disseminate, then I take that as a victory.

What do you feel can be done to make work go smoother?
I’m fortunate to have colleagues who work hard and are committed to their responsibilities. When those you depend on deliver on deadline, life is good.

How do you feel about working with others?
I enjoy collaboration … there’s nothing better than a successful brainstorm with great contributions from creative minds.

How do you separate the personal from the professional?
Easy … a 35-mile commute home. I leave work at work. It’s always there when I return in the morning. I do have to admit, I will check the BlackBerry in the evening and on weekends from time to time, but I’m pretty good at turning the “work switch” off and on at appropriate times.

Do you enjoy working on group projects?
When you work with a team of dependable professionals like I do, yes, group projects are great.

What is your ideal work environment?
My ideal work environment is one where I’m given the latitude to develop my own ideas, take initiative, manage projects, and where I can be trusted to deliver a quality project on deadline. That’s why I enjoy my work at Phoenix Children’s … I’m given space to do what I do best, but always have colleagues I can lean on when I need help or some constructive criticism.