Q&A with Russell Zishiri, Forty Under 40 Winner 2020; Founder and CEO, Anaconda Systems Ltd., Age 39
Who is responsible for your work ethic?
My mother.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Being at home with the family.
What is the best book you would recommend?
Letters to a Young Poet – Rainer Marie Rilke.
Now that you’re entering your 40s, what goals have you set for yourself?
To be honest, I haven’t thought of that at all. Just happy to have made it thus far.
Choose one of these five childhood career dreams: Rock star, star athlete, prime minister, astronaut, detective.
Star athlete.
Name your happiest place.
Anywhere with the family.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
Over the last five years it seems there are multiple, however what I would share is that making tough decisions doesn’t feel great in the moment, I’ve been fortunate that enduring the short-term pain has led us to this point.
Advice you would give your 20-year-old self?
Fear nothing. It’s never over, it becomes something else.
What is your best habit?
I tend to get up in the morning, persistently.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
I’m greatly affected by cold weather.
Best piece of advice ever received?
“You have a great appetite, don’t eat so much that you burst,” Therese Hayden.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
There is no one moment/highlight – it’s the continuous learning and growth outside of my capabilities that leads from one milestone to the next.
