Jonathan Haber, a Montreal-based technology entrepreneur and founder of Haber Strategies Inc., is raising awareness about the need for simpler, more human-centred technology in startup culture. In a recent in-depth interview, Haber draws from his experience building and advising early-stage companies to highlight a recurring issue: tools that are technically advanced but difficult to use.
According to a 2024 Gartner report, over 65% of employees feel overwhelmed by the number of digital tools they are expected to use, while McKinsey research shows that nearly 70% of digital initiatives fail due to poor adoption and lack of user alignment. Haber argues that most startups do not need more features; they need fewer decisions and clearer systems.
In the interview, Haber shares examples from his own work, including a remote startup team struggling with low morale and declining productivity. Instead of adding new platforms, he simplified workflows and redesigned communication tools based on direct employee feedback. 'Clarity changed everything,' he says. 'Once people understood what mattered and how to work together, engagement came back almost immediately.'
Haber also advocates for leadership rooted in listening rather than speed. He notes that early conversations often reveal problems long before data dashboards do. 'Technology should reduce stress,' he adds. 'If it creates more confusion, it's not doing its job.'
Studies show that employees lose an average of one full workday per week navigating complex systems and unclear processes. As remote and hybrid work continue to rise, the need for intuitive, people-first tools is becoming increasingly urgent. Haber encourages founders, managers, and professionals to take small, practical steps: regularly ask teams what feels unclear, simplify existing tools before adding new ones, and prioritise understanding over speed. These everyday actions, he notes, can lead to stronger teams and more sustainable outcomes.
For more insights, the full interview can be accessed here. Jonathan Haber is a Montreal-based technology entrepreneur and founder of Haber Strategies Inc. He works with early-stage startups to build intuitive, human-centred digital tools focused on clarity, collaboration, and long-term value.
