20 questions: Biz Stone, Co-founder, Twitter

Twitter valuation will reach 1 billion U.S. dollars 2009-09-25,Twitter communication tool for investors to become the United States and Europe
By Emma Jacobs 2009-12-02

'It's like riding a rollercoaster'

Biz Stone helped start Twitter, the microblogging service that limits posts to 140 characters, in 2006. The social networking site has a valuation of $1bn, but has yet to generate substantial revenues. Originally from Boston, Mr Stone lives with his wife in Marin County, California. He has answered our questions in 140 characters or less.

Describe your job. An Oscar-winning supporting actor to my team and co-founder.

Did you think you would end up where you are?

I thought I'd end up in a creative job and I have. Though as a child, I imagined I'd be a film-maker or painter not a founder of Twitter.

What do you like most about your job?

The people and the exhilaration - it's like riding a rollercoaster.

What do you like least about your job?

The downside of the rollercoaster. Sometimes you want to throw up.

What time do you start and finish work?

I'm always on. But my office hours are between 7 and 7 or 8 and 8.

When do you turn off your iPhone?

Never. I leave it on even when I'm asleep though I don't always answer it.

What music's on your iPhone?

Yo-Yo Ma, Ludovico Einaudi, Frank Sinatra, White Stripes and pop.

What are you reading?

I'm looking forward to reading The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer.

What is your guilty peasure?

Watching TV. I love everything from Gossip Girl to sci-fi.

What is the worst job you have ever done?

When I was 14, I worked as a caddy. I felt like a mule, carrying heavy golf clubs, for $12 a day. It was mind-numbing.

What is the smartest business idea you have ever had?

Giving away as much data as possible and being open. It's helped Twitter grow very quickly in the past two years.

What is your golden rule?

Like personal relationships, both parties must get something out of a business relationship or it won't last.

When was the last time you lost your temper at work?

I never lose my temper at work. It's my role to be positive and enthusiastic. But I wouldn't describe myself as a ray of sunshine.

Have you ever praised an employee and not meant it?

I have never fake-praised but I will open a critique with a compliment. You need to be positive and reassuring.

Have you ever lied at work?

No, not even as a caddy. My mum once described me as an "open book" - what you see is what you get.

If you had not been in business what would you have done?

Something in the arts, like a filmmaker, fiction writer or painter. In my free time, I paint everyday objects like a chair or a bowl.

What is your most hated business expression?

All of them. They're distracting. I always take "at the end of the day" literally, meaning at night. I've said "going forward" though.

How important is money?

Very. Although looking at some of my decisions you might have thought otherwise. I've often gone for risk and adventure over money.

What is the most treasured possession in your office?

Nothing. I have a big pile of junk that I push into a box and then move the box somewhere else. I always travel light.

How do you want to be remembered?

As an artist rather than a technologist or entrepreneur.