Salman Sarwar works as the CEO at Torque360, a SAAS-based company that helps the automotive industry with cutting-edge software. Before this, he was the COO at RepairDesk, where he learned about the problems small car repair shops face. To make things easier for them, he came up with the idea for Torque360, which is like a tool that helps car repair shops run better. The software he and his team made, Torque360, is like a one-stop shop for auto repair businesses. Salman is really proud of Torque360 because it helps car repair shops become better at what they do. It’s easy to use and has lots of helpful feature. The best part is that, with Torque360, car repairs can be done 40% faster. This makes mechanics happy, and it’s great for customers because they don’t have to wait as long to get their cars fixed. Thanks to Salman and his team, Torque360 is like a superhero for the car repair and tire industry, making things run smoothly and quickly.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
As a CEO, I have a precise routine to ensure a productive day. It all begins with a cup of coffee to kickstart my energy. Following that, I take a morning walk, which helps me clear my mind and boost my creativity.
Reading books is a vital part of my routine. I choose books like “Good to Great” and “Lean In” to keep learning about leadership and personal growth. This structured routine sets a positive tone for my day as a CEO.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life through planning, teamwork, and execution. It’s like building a house – starting with a blueprint (plan), involving a skilled team (collaboration), and then taking step-by-step action (execution).
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m genuinely thrilled about the way technology and AI are revolutionizing our world. They’re taking tasks that used to be time-consuming and turning them into quick and efficient processes that deliver results that are not only faster but also of higher quality.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Setting clear priorities is my key habit for productivity. Each morning, I identify the most crucial tasks and focus on them first. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I tackle the most important work, leading to a more productive day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Embrace risks and learn from failures, as they are stepping stones to growth.
Cherish the journey, not just the destination.
Believe in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to pursue your passions.
Stay curious, keep learning, and prioritize a healthy work-life balance for a fulfilling life
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
I firmly believe that remote work, when managed efficiently, can be just as productive as traditional office-based work.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Consistently, I advocate for setting clear goals. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that fuels personal and professional growth. By defining your objectives, you pave the way for focused and purposeful actions. It’s a universal strategy that anyone can benefit from, irrespective of their goals or aspirations.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When feeling overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a step back, breathe deeply, and make a to-do list to prioritize tasks. This simple action helps me regain clarity and control, allowing me to tackle one thing at a time, which is more manageable and less stressful.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One key strategy that propelled my career and business growth is building strong, collaborative teams. By fostering a culture of open communication and leveraging each team member’s strengths, we’ve achieved remarkable results. Teamwork has been the driving force behind our success, making our journey incredibly fulfilling.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One significant career failure was a marketing campaign that didn’t meet expectations. To overcome it, I analyzed the missteps, learned from them, and adapted my approach for future projects. The lesson: Failure is a teacher; it guides us to better strategies and resilience.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
How about a subscription-based service that delivers locally sourced, fresh, and unique ingredients with recipes to people’s doorsteps? It would cater to those looking for convenience and culinary adventure while supporting local farmers and food producers.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Milanote is my go-to productivity software. It’s a visual tool that lets me organize ideas, plans, and projects creatively. I use it for brainstorming, mind mapping, and collaborative project management. Its visual interface makes everything easy to see and share, enhancing my productivity and creativity.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a professional development course. It has equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to my career, opening up new opportunities and enhancing my professional growth. It’s an investment that keeps on giving.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
Absolutely, my favorite book is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It’s a treasure trove of insights on how ordinary companies become extraordinary. The practical advice has been a guiding light in my journey.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the series “The Queen’s Gambit.” It’s a captivating story about a young chess prodigy, and I was drawn to its engaging characters and the unique blend of intellect and drama. The series beautifully showcases the journey of a determined individual, making it a must-watch.
Key learnings:
• Prioritizing time management and planning are crucial for productivity.
• Embracing risk and learning from failure leads to personal growth.
• Building a strong team and fostering collaboration are keys to business success.
• Flexibility in work arrangements and sustainability trends are shaping the future.
• Regular self-reflection and short breaks can help maintain focus and motivation.