42 Interview: Tomer Friedman, CEO

Here is another interview from our regular series. Today, we interviewed Tomer, CEO of the company Forty Two. 

What do you like most about this company? 

T: There are a few things that I like. First of all, I like the people I work with. They are like a second family to me. Seeing them and their accomplishments in every project makes me feel proud. The other thing is the freedom of contribution to each project. I can take these projects to another level in terms of trends, vision, technology, etc. When I worked at other companies, there were always boundaries I had to deal with; they held me back from being involved in each project. The last thing, but not the least, is the atmosphere. I like seeing people enjoy their work, drink beer, play Nintendo, and spread good vibes. This atmosphere is not about a specific activity; it is something we feel in our company throughout the whole day. These three things that I have mentioned make Forty Two the best place to be. 

What is your biggest professional accomplishment? 

T: Whenever someone asks this question, I recall that there were only three people when I came to the company. Our company has grown to 30 employees due to our hard work and subsequent accomplishments. So the company’s growth is the first. The second is the scale and number of the projects, and the trust we have earned from some of the biggest international companies. Today we employ people from all walks of life and professional occupations, including PPC managers and Motion Designers. We have extended our reach around the globe, and today we have three offices, one in Israel, one in Serbia, and one in Cyprus.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success in this job? 

T: My main goal is to focus on management. I think that this is the only skill that I need to inspire people to do better work. And while management empowers and leads people, an employee gets all necessary resources to progress and grow together with the company. This is the foundation of our company. Our employees know that they can contact me anytime, and I will address all their questions and concerns. I trust people and give them the freedom to approach projects as they deem suitable. My trust in them is another important quality that enhances Forty Two’s work processes.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

T: I like doing sports. I train using kettlebells, bars, and other weights. I enjoy drinking both protein shakes and alcohol. I love going to the beach and spending some time in the sun. I travel a lot. I love coming home to my wife and kids, and by the end of the day, this is the most important thing in life. Family comes first.