What's your secret sauce for building a great team?
The successful teams I’ve built take on a mission mission, not take a job. I want people who then can buy into the vision, take ownership of the venture, and run.
What can we do to create a great workplace for our colleagues?
Every person is on a journey in their life, and their work is but a part of it. I look to add value to their professional experiences with my team, not just in money, but in knowledge and support.
What shift in mindset has allowed you to see things differently?
Humility. While I like to think of myself as smart and quick witted, recognizing the fallacy in that attitude freed me to be open to learning from the knowledge and experiences of others, and to incorporate those lessons into my journey.
What's a question you like asking — yourself or your colleagues?
"How did you do that?" There’s immense value in listening and learning from the experience of others, thus why I like this question.
What podcast do you listen to?
The Hidden Brain. Great perspectives on a variety of human-centric topics.https://hiddenbrain.org
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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.