We caught up with David Dennis, a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft and co-founder of Ventana Surfboards & Supplies, a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
David, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Despite battling imposter syndrome, my confidence has grown with age. I remind myself that perceived competence often differs from reality – those who feel incompetent are frequently seen as highly capable by others.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey. I’ve found strength in my dual roles, using my Microsoft experiences (my day job) to inform my work at Ventana Surfboards & Supplies (my passion project). I collect evidence of my achievements, from successful Microsoft projects to building an environmentally responsible surf company. This concrete proof helps dispel self-doubt and affirm my abilities. Ultimately, working diligently and demonstrating clear, measurable results allows me to recognize my value and contributions.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a passionate surfer and lover of the ocean. I co-founded Ventana Surfboards & Supplies, where I lead sales, marketing, and business development. We create high-end, eco-friendly wooden surfboards that are not just functional, but also works of art. We’ve invented several products and have built an apparel business focused surfers and ocean-lovers, as well. My own love for the ocean deepened when I became a certified SCUBA diver at the age of sixteen.
In addition to my work at Ventana, I’m also a product manager on the Outlook.com team at Microsoft. My experiences at Ventana inform my work at Microsoft, particularly in the ads business and small business strategy. And my Microsoft experiences in product development, market research, and using data to make smart product investments has informed my work at Ventana,
Ventana is committed to being the most environmentally responsible surf company on the planet. We donate at least 5% of profits to ocean conservation efforts. This commitment to sustainability and the unique stories behind the reclaimed materials used in our surfboards and other products make Ventana truly special.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities have been passion, adaptability, and a commitment to sustainability.
1. **Passion**: My love for surfing and the ocean has been the driving force behind everything I do. It’s this passion that led me to co-found Ventana and continues to inspire me every day. My advice to those starting their journey is to find what you love and let it guide you.
2. **Adaptability**: Working in both the tech industry with Microsoft and the surf industry with Ventana has required me to be flexible and adaptable. The ability to navigate different environments and challenges has been crucial. For those early in their journey, I would advise developing this skill by embracing new experiences and learning from them.
3. **Commitment to Sustainability**: At Ventana, we’re committed to being the most environmentally responsible surf company on the planet. This commitment has not only shaped our business practices but also our products. For those looking to improve in this area, I would suggest starting small. Every effort counts when it comes to sustainability.
That said, everyone’s journey is unique. Embrace yours, learn from your experiences, and don’t be afraid to pave your own path.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
My favorite book on this topic is “First, Break All the Rules,” I believe focusing on our strengths is more beneficial than trying to improve our weaknesses. The book suggests that people don’t change much, and each person has unique talents where they can truly excel. That’s not to say you shouldn’t try to get better in areas where you’re weak. As an example, I’m not a talented musician, but I’m learning guitar, and I’m finding it fun to stretch myself in a new direction when there’s nothing at stake.
In the context of my work at Microsoft, though, I excel in internal evangelism and product strategy, researching market trends and customer needs, and collaborating with others. However, coding isn’t my forte. Instead of trying to master it, I delegate this task to my skilled team members. This allows me to focus on my strengths and empowers my team to contribute their best work. The result is a high-performing team where everyone plays to their strengths.
Focusing on our strengths offers the greatest potential for personal growth and high performance. It’s about finding the right fit and letting everyone shine in their own way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ventanasurfboards.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ventanasurfboards
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ventanasurfboards
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ventanasurfboards/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ventanasurf
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ventanasurfboards
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ventana-surfboards-and-supplies-aptos
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@ventanasurfboards
https://ventanasurfboards.com/pages/spotify-playlist-by-ventana
Image Credits
Ventana Surfboards & Supplies
Salty Breeze Art & Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
