‘Focus on impact’: Ex-Meta executive reveals Mark Zuckerberg’s work lesson, now runs $1 billion firm

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A former Meta executive who worked at Facebook during its rapid expansion has shared an unexpected lesson he learnt from Mark Zuckerberg. Martin Ott joined the company in 2012, when Facebook was preparing for its IPO and making a major shift towards mobile.Taxfix CEO Martin Ott shares his lesson from working at Meta. (Instagram/@zuck, Linkedin/Martin Ott)Today, Ott is the CEO of Taxfix, a Berlin-based tax app valued at more than $1 billion. Despite spending years in the high-pressure world of technology, he says success does not mean being available for work every hour of the day.Instead, Ott says one of the most useful lessons from his time at Facebook was learning to focus on the work where he could make the biggest difference.(Also Read:

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Windrush compensation funds prize for playwrights October 2, 2026
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Speed up regulation for 'Wild West' e-bike schemes, says mayor October 2, 2026
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Teen jailed again for machete-point Rolex robbery October 1, 2026
Boulares used "extreme intimidation" on the latest two victims, who each wore a Rolex watch.

North Carolina proposes restoring Roanoke River after 50 years of mill pollution October 2, 2026
A new restoration strategy has been proposed to address the environmental impacts of the Plymouth Mill in North Carolina. This plan highlights essential actions such as conserving wetlands and restoring natural habitats along the lower Roanoke River. A significant portion, 760 acres of wetlands, will be preserved through a conservation deed. The initiative plans to […]
TOI SCIENCE DESK
Dallas extends deadline for $409m Bank of America Plaza redevelopment plan October 2, 2026
TOI REAL ESTATE DESK
Gold gets its festive shine back as lower prices lure Asian buyers October 2, 2026
Recent declines in gold prices in India have sparked greater interest among physical buyers, leading to reduced discounts from sellers. With the festival season on the horizon, demand is likely to surge, particularly for jewelry. Similarly, Singapore reports increased buying activity, as evidenced by dealer inventories. Meanwhile, China is keeping a close eye on price […]
SHIVANGHI PAYAL
In 2010, Elon Musk funded 108 solar panels and battery backup for an Alabama centre October 2, 2026
Elon Musk funded a 25-kilowatt solar project to help a community center in Coden, Alabama. The project was designed to provide electricity during emergencies, ensuring energy safety after disasters. It was installed at the South Bay Communities Alliance Hurricane Response Center, which aided recovery from Hurricane Katrina. SolarCity contributed to the installation and supported Musk's […]
TOI TECH DESK
‘I wanted to quit boxing’: Lovlina fights through tough year to script historic gold October 2, 2026
Lovlina Borgohain celebrated her 29th birthday by winning gold at the Asian Games in Japan. She had previously considered quitting boxing after a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics. Overcoming self-doubt and a year of challenges, Lovlina triumphed in the women's 75kg final against China's Ziyi Bao. This victory also marked the end of a […]
HIJAM RAJU SINGH
Asian Games hockey official Sangha leaves Japan amid sexual misconduct complaints October 2, 2026
Gurinder Singh Sangha has departed from Japan following allegations of sexual misconduct during the Asian Games tournament. Multiple complaints were lodged against him, including inappropriate behavior towards a Malaysian hockey official. He previously faced similar allegations during the Hockey India League in January 2025, leading to a formal complaint by umpire Yogita Pasi.
ARNAB LALL SEAL
Upasana Singh alleges Poonam Dhillon, Padmini Kolhapure humiliated senior actors October 2, 2026
Upasana Singh has voiced concerns over alleged disrespect within the Cine and Television Artistes' Association. She highlighted incidents involving Mukesh Rishi, Deepak Parashar, and Vikas Verma at meetings. Singh described how the treatment of these senior members has led to feelings of humiliation and anger. Allegations against Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure indicated a disconnect […]
TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESK
‘Don’t cut salaries’: Govt’s clear directive to companies as EPF wage ceiling rises October 2, 2026
On September 17, the government increased the EPFO wage threshold from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. The revision is expected to extend mandatory coverage to more than 10 million additional workers and give another push to workforce formalisation. In the frequently asked questions released on the matter, the ministry acknowledged that the revised wage ceiling […]
TOI BUSINESS DESK
Iowa carpenter left nearly $3m; 33 students he funded later gathered to honor him October 2, 2026
An Iowa carpenter who never went to college quietly saved nearly $3 million during his 67-year career. After his death in 2005, the money funded college education for 33 students who could not otherwise afford it. Fourteen years later, the students, known as “Dale’s Kids”, gathered to remember the man they had never met.
TOI WORLD DESK
Watch: CM Vijay plays bus conductor, hands out tickets after expanding free travel scheme October 2, 2026
Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay launched an expanded scheme to provide free bus travel. Marking the launch on Gandhi Jayanti, Vijay travelled by bus in Chennai and interacted with passengers. The scheme removed previous limitations on the types of bus services available for free travel. It aims to enhance economic empowerment and education […]
KANCHAN YADAV