---
title: "Working Geek: Ossia CEO Mario Obeidat Takes Organizational Cues From His Kids"
description: It’s been a little over two months since Mario Obeidat took over as CEO of wireless charging company Ossia.
---

[Ossia & Cota News Updates](https://www.ossia.com/news)

# [Working Geek: Ossia CEO Mario Obeidat Takes Organizational Cues From His Kids](https://www.ossia.com/news/working-geek-ossia-ceo-mario-obeidat-takes-organizational-cues-from-his-kids-1)

 Written by [Ossia Inc.](https://www.ossia.com/news/author/ossia-inc) | Apr 12, 2017 5:00:00 PM

[Orginally posted on GeekWire by Monica Nickelsburg](https://www.geekwire.com/2017/working-geek-ossia-ceo-mario-obeidat-takes-organizational-cues-kids/)

It’s been a little over two months since Mario Obeidat took over as CEO of wireless charging company [Ossia](https://www.ossia.com/). He took the position to help Ossia commercialize its technology, which allows devices to charge without connecting to any cables or pads.

“For me, leading Ossia is a natural extension of things I’ve done over the past 20 years: lead technology organizations on a commercialization path,” Obeidat [told GeekWire at the time](https://www.geekwire.com/2017/ossia-hires-new-ceo-help-commercialize-wireless-charging-technology/).

Obeidat brought with him experience working in leadership roles for Pendrell Corporation and Intellectual Ventures.

He’s since settled into his role at Ossia, working to license the company’s [“Cota” technology](https://www.geekwire.com/2014/ossia-wireless-charging/) into smartphones, connected devices, and wearables.

“My job is to build a culture with great chemistry between colleagues and create cool business opportunities,” he said.

We caught up with Obeidat for this Working Geek, a regular GeekWire feature. Continue reading for his answers to our questionnaire.

**Current Location:** “I live on Mercer Island, and work about a 15-minute commute away in Bellevue, WA.”

**Computer types:** “I currently own and use two PC’s and two Mac’s.”

**Mobile devices**: “My iPhone. My pride and joy!”

**Favorite apps, cloud services and software tools:** “I spend a lot of time on my phone. First and foremost, the cloud service I cannot live without is email. As for apps: Yelp, Uber, Zillow, and Google Maps.”

**Describe your workspace. Why does it work for you?** “I have an average-size office, with lots of windows and natural light. Natural light, especially in the winter in Seattle, is critical. My office needs to have a big whiteboard for constant brainstorming and a round meeting table. I’m a very social being — I want people to come in my office, stay for a while and discuss great ideas.”

 Obeidat at the Ossia office.

**Your best advice for managing everyday work and life?** “Number one importance: work-life Balance.  It is a *must have* but not always easy to achieve. I achieve it by staying disciplined to my personal and work commitments.”

**Your preferred social network? How do you use it for business/work?** “LinkedIn. LinkedIn is professionally valuable to keep track of my contacts and business relationships to constantly find synergies and new opportunities to work together.”

**Current number of unanswered emails in your inbox?** “150 unanswered as of 4:30 p.m. today.”

**Number of appointments/meetings on your calendar this week?** “21 meetings varying between 30 minutes and two hours each.”

**How do you run meetings?** “Attendance is on an as-needed basis. I am conscious of everyone’s time. If you have something to contribute to the meeting, show up on time, but manage your own priorities. All my meetings have a goal to stay very efficient and run a clear agenda.”

**Everyday work uniform?** “Jeans and a button down. ”

 Obeidat and his wife, Arwa Obeidat, enjoy some time out on their boat.

**How do you make time for family?** “Put it on my calendar and stay true to those commitments. I make up work time late in the evening after I have prioritized my family.”

**Best stress reliever? How do you unplug? **“Watching mindless shows. In particular, I’m a mad sports fan. Right now I’m seriously into March Madness.”

**What are you listening to?** “U2 gets me going in the morning.”

**Daily reads? Favorite sites and newsletters?** “WSJ, ESPN, CNN.”

**Book on your nightstand (or e-reader)?** “I love history and one of my favorites is an ebook called *The Founding Fathers*.”

**Night owl or early riser? What are your sleep patterns?** “Down at midnight and up at 6 a.m. Religiously, if possible.

**Where do you get your best ideas?** “In the shower.”

**Whose work style would you want to learn more about or emulate?** “I don’t try to emulate a work style per say, I try to learn work habits from different people. To be honest, most recently, I learned some amazing organization skills from my kids. My three daughters run a tight ship!”

[View full post](https://www.ossia.com/news/working-geek-ossia-ceo-mario-obeidat-takes-organizational-cues-from-his-kids-1)

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