Joel, the co-founder and CTPO at Improvin’, is known as a tenacious runner and avid reader constantly seeking fresh perspectives and new challenges. 

Joel, what's the best thing about your role?

Building a team with purpose alignment. 

I wholeheartedly believe that it’s the people behind any idea or product that will decide the level of impact. At the same time, we at Improvin’ seek to create a transformative and positive impact, without compromises.

If what we do doesn’t bring that impact to the world, it’s not relevant. 

Nature doesn’t wait for us, and that urgency can sometimes clash with my will to build the right foundation for everyone on the team. 

What makes me comfortable is seeing how well-equipped and motivated our team is to drive substantial change.

We have unique domain experience and the technical expertise needed to address one of the agri-food industry’s toughest issues: producing more food, more sustainably, at the same time.

It’s a huge challenge. But also a purpose worth fighting for.

What’s your favorite Improvin’ ritual? 

I find joy in the small, in-between moments.

In our current office, a good coffee involves a little walk. It's a chance for casual conversations and a pulse check on everyone, which I really value. 

You’re known as a book enthusiast. Could you tell us more about it?

Reading is a big part of who I am. I am deeply curious about the world and I read everything I can find. I purposefully read across different fields and for various reasons.

Reading has definitely improved my lateral thinking; I’ve become adept at drawing analogies where knowledge from another domain can be applicable.

I am, however, pretty pragmatic about my time. Half of the books I start, I don’t finish.

Any tips? 

Three recent ones that have provided me with new perspectives are “A Bigger Picture” by Vanessa Nakate, "The Moment of Lift" by Melinda Gates, and "Devil Take the Hindmost: A History of Financial Speculation" by Edward Chancellor.

The latter is a tough read, but certainly rewarding. I also enjoy “children’s books”, and can recommend reading either “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett or “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak, if you haven’t already. 

3 things that excite you right now?

👟 I’m running Ultravasan, a 92-kilometer ultramarathon, in August which will be an intriguing mental and physical challenge.

🎨 My spouse and I are in the midst of renovating our bedroom. It's a full overhaul, moving forward slowly but surely.

🌱 I’m genuinely excited about work. I get to work with my hobby and my passion, which can be a tough balance sometimes. But I love what I do.