The Doing-Done Questionnaire: José Macedo
10 standard questions we ask our favorite people. Today we interview José Macedo, Associate Professor in the Department of Computing at the Federal University of Ceará and Chief Scientist of Data and Digital Transformation at the Innovation Laboratory in Government of the State of Ceará’s Civil House. He also coordinates the Data Science Laboratory (InsightLab) at UFC.
How would you describe what you do… to a 10-year old.
I am a scientist who works with artificial intelligence. It’s part of my job to create programs that help computers become more like humans so that they are able to perform tasks more easily.
Do you have any regular rituals to get you into the space of work?
Yes, I get up at 4am, I do some meditation and stretching exercises, I have breakfast and start working at 6am. Then, I go for a walk or a 40-minute job, I have a meal and start working again until it’s lunchtime.
What comes easily to you?
I love learning new things, so it’s easy for me to learn, study and share knowledge.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever gotten done?
My doctoral thesis.
How do deadlines make you feel?
I love deadlines because they make me feel more productive and connected to a purpose.
What’s something you’ve learned about how, or where, or when you work best?
It’s been a trial-and-error process, creating my own way of working. I read a few books on how to use time more effectively, how to organize the workspace, but I’ve learned that the fundamental thing is to be in love with what you do because work is not separate from life. In fact, I do not separate work from my personal life. So, while I live, I work. There I no specific hour, place or mode, it’s my life.
Early Bird? Night Owl? Other?
Early Bird. I often get up at 4am.
Describe your ideal space to get to work.
My office is big and well-lit with a big table where there is a computer and a 27-inch screen. I have a bookshelf and a small sofa for a rest when needed.
How many unread emails are in your inbox right now?
25,227 ;-) My email is a database so not everything I send there I read immediately.
When I really need to get it done, I…
I disconnect from the world, I turn off my cell phone, internet, etc. and I focus on what needs to be done.
