10 minutes with… Chris Griffiths, OpenGenius

With over 28 years’ experience in setting up and leading successful businesses, Chris Griffiths is one of Wales’ most serial digital entrepreneurs. Amongst his many ventures, Chris Griffiths is CEO of OpenGenius (the company behind digital tools iMindMap and DropTask, used by over 1 million people around the world), a bestselling author on innovative thinking and creativity, and founder of innovation hub Tec Marina (OpenGenius HQ) - providing a creative and vibrant workspace for some of Wales’ most exciting and high growth companies.

Lone wolf or team player?

Happy being a lone wolf but love working as a part of a pack!

What gets you out of bed on a Monday morning?

My alarm clock! I’m usually working late the day before so waking up isn’t always easy. I don’t have a set routine, however, I love to engage in brainstorming sessions with my team throughout the day which is a great motivator to get me out of bed.

Morning or night?

I’m definitely a night owl, always have been! I find that I’m most productive at night and I work better during later parts of the day.

Apple or Samsung?

I use Apple, but both are cool and are doing great things.

What’s one quality you think an entrepreneur needs to possess?

Persistence. Henry Ford once said ‘the only real mistake is one from which we learn nothing,’ I think we all need to remember that success and failure are not opposites, they are part of the same process.

Winter or summer?

Warm sunny weather for me. That’s why I like living in Wales so much!

What would you say to your 16 year old self?

‘Might as well go for it…’

What is your greatest achievement?

Everything is relative so I’m still working on this, ask me in a few years.

Big night out or quiet night in?

Big nights out aren’t really my thing, so quiet night in for me.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love going to the gym as exercising increases my focus and motivation. Another hobby of mine is kung fu, I’ve been doing it for 25 years.

Tea or coffee?

If you’re offering, I’ll have a coffee!

What inspires you?

Nature, as well as people who are willing to think without the box. These people are changing the world for the better.

Indoors or outdoors?

Outdoors when the sun is shining.

What's your favourite part about your job?

Merging my interest in modern brain based research and combining it with my love for technology. We’re currently gearing ourselves up for a really exciting project... watch this space!

Home-cooked meal or takeaway?

Home-cooked wins hands down, every time.

What is your favourite film, TV show or Podcast?

At the moment my favourites are: Gates of Heaven, Walking Dead, and Harvard Business Review Idea Cast.