I ❤ my Job
Steve Mynett, Engineering Manager at Unbounce
In our meaningful work series, we get curious about why people love their jobs and what brings meaning to their work.
Do you love the work you do? We’d love to feature you!
Today, we hear from Steve Mynett, Engineering Manager at Unbounce, a product that allows marketers to create launch and test high-converting landing pages and website overlays without developers. So, of course, Unbounce has a stacked team of developers to make the product easy to use. He’s passionate about code, design, people management and jazz. Not necessarily in that order.
How did you arrive here?
My first career was as a professional jazz and commercial trombone player. Soon I found myself meandering through photography, design and development at agencies before feeling like I found “home” working as a developer on products. I spent 3.5 years at Hootsuite and joined Unbounce where, now, I feel like I’ve found a new “home within a home”.
What’s your work, now, in a nutshell?
I support developers in their growth and contributions at Unbounce. Usually this involves lots of observation, coaching and sometimes a little course correction. From a product perspective, I’ve been involved a lot in Convertables, a new product that Unbounce just launched.
How did you know what direction you wanted to take your career?
I spent so many years focused on performing that it was hard to imagine doing anything else. One of the things I like in jazz is the set of constraints it places on the musician; and forcing them to be creative within those constraints. I feel the same way about design, development and, in a weird way, management as well. As I’ve moved through my career the “next step” has rarely been one planned out way in advance. It more often emerged through exposure to new people, ways of thinking, projects etc. I’ve never really known the direction I’ve wanted to take my in career, I just look for the next challenge and here is where I’ve ended up.
What keeps you motivated?
Organizational challenges (especially those that surface as a result of a fast growing company) are always unique but so important for the success of the company. Outside of work, travel keeps me pretty motivated! (Currently writing this poolside in Costa Rica after a day of remote work). Finding a balance between full time “in the office” employment and ways to continue to see the world is an ongoing focus!
What does meaningful work mean to you?
I first got asked this question (phrased as “what kind of work do you want to do”) many years ago and my answer at that time was “meaningful work”. In hindsight I think I meant it as “not games” or “something I can believe in” which is a pretty high level. Over the years I’ve thought of it more as “solving hard problems with smart people” which has stuck with me for a while now. Much of what I value is summed up in Daniel Pink’s Autonomy Mastery and Purpose. Camille Fournier added a 4th pillar about Relatedness which really resonated with me as well.
What’s one tip for folks wanting to level up in their career?
Only one? It depends so much on the individual and where they are in their career. If you’re at the outset of your career I’d say optimize for learning. In my opinion that’s the most important thing in the early stages of your career and whatever you feel that you’re sacrificing to (salary, being at the “cool” company) you’ll more than recoup the benefits later in your career. For those in the mid or later stages of a career, I’d suggest being very intentful about what you want next and what you need to get there. I find there’s a point where people stop being strategic about how they want to grow their career. No one else is going to grow it for you, figure out what you want and work with your boss/manager progress towards it.
You are moving to Mars one year from now, how would you choose to spend your remaining time on earth?
Ohhh man, I’ve been super into Mars lately so this question gets me thinking! I’d want to see as much of the world as possible, eating good food, drinking cocktails or a nice bottle of wine, surrounded by old and new friends. If I could take all of that with me wherever I go, I’d be happy! How’s the food on Mars?
Make a step towards finding your most meaningful work. On May 15, join the Talent Collective for a special 1hr webinar to share tips and tricks to help you find a job that lights you up. Join us!
