What do you wish you had known 10 years ago?
I wish I had felt more comfortable in using my voice externally. I was terrified of my imperfections. I was awkward, and I didn’t want that on display. Once I understood, about two years ago, that my voice could impact those around me positively, I finally got the courage to speak.
What book do you recommend the most?
"Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg. Because most people fail due to their own internal limiting beliefs (violent voices in our head).
What's a mistake that you're happy you've made?
All the “mistakes” have taught me something. I wouldn’t say I’m happy I made them, because there’s always a “negative” impact of a mistake. But I wouldn’t take anything back because I wouldn’t have learned without it.
What's the biggest insight you've learned in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
The weight on a founder's shoulder for all successful companies is a lot greater than meets the eye. Strength comes from the ability to know how to get back up when you’re pushed to the ground, what feels like a million times over.
What’s a guiding principle that informs the way you build and run your business?
If we do right by our ecosystem (employees, partners, customers) for the long term, trust that the ecosystem will thrive together.
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur / leader?
I started working very young on all sorts of ventures when I was 8. By necessity. Chili Piper is my first “real’ company. I started it because I believed the B2B buying process is broken and also because I believed companies can do better for their employees and their ecosystem.
What's a perspective that we should pay more attention to in the workplace?
Belief is critical. Without the belief that we can succeed together, we have nothing.
What's your secret sauce for building a great team?
Trusting them to do their best work without monitoring or keeping them captive in an office. While giving them systems that: (1) let them see how the work impacts the overall bottom line; (2) allow them to contribute to all decisions (and all decisions are transparent); and (3) allow them to thrive at work.
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Here’s More, From Other Founders Around the World
When times are tough, who or what is an anchor for you?
My co-founders are my anchor in work-related topics. Having an environment where failure is welcomed with a helping hand and where weakness is valued as openness, once you are down those people will drag you up.
What's a mistake that you're happy you've made?
When I was 16 (way before the internet) I founded a travel-partner agency to connect people from different backgrounds seeking travel companions. After a year, I had to close the agency due to a lack of customers and the confusion some callers had regarding the nature of the “service.” Despite this setback, I gained invaluable insights into sales, communication and people’s needs, solidifying my desire to run a business that helps people.
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?
After graduating, I worked for an extremely well-paying automotive company. But I always had the feeling that there was more out there. So I quit and went into research with the aim of becoming a founder.
What should leaders understand about their own role and responsibility?
There are no overnight miracles, it's very hard work: both physically and emotionally. Requires resilience, grit, strategic approach and grind.