What motivates you to work as a leader / entrepreneur?
My values. I want people to feel heard, understood, and supported. Through my experience in life of not having this in moments when I needed it and knowing I can help others feel this way, it's inspiring. I also know that it doesn't take much, it's just showing someone you care a little. And it turns out that I do.
When times are tough, who or what is an anchor for you?
My network. I have a wonderful wife, a best friend, some really close friends, and a fulfilling spiritual relationship. Depending on my needs, I know I can call upon any or all of these, and do so often.
What's a mistake that you're happy you've made?
Judging others. At certain points of life, you feel like you know so much and have all the answers, when it turns out you're wrong. You don't have enough information to make these conclusions and your solutions aren't going to work "just like that." Messing up like this has allowed me to listen first, have compassion, and ask question after question. I want to get as much of the picture as I can before diving in trying to problem solve. I will always be working on this and can say I'm able to build better relationships, truly help, and gain new perspectives in the process.
What's a question you like asking — yourself or your colleagues?
"Is this in alignment with the bigger picture/ your needs / ...?" — This question allows me to keep a conversation on topic, understand what my teammate is thinking/seeing/feeling, collaborate, and get a real gauge on a situation. I learn more about potential clients, issues, expectations, and get a ton of new ideas from simply asking this question.
What’s an important belief / a guiding principle that informs the way you build and run your business?
My current favorite is to honor your f¢# yeses. If it's not a f¢# yes, it's a hell no. This will keep you from chasing things that you feel you "should do" and keep you on track to do the things you know that are right for you.
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Here’s More, From Other Founders Around the World
What should leaders understand about their own role and responsibility?
Your own time and energy is the most precious resource you have. Use it wisely, and learn what gives you energy, and what saps you. In the early years of building something, you need to throw a huge amount of time at it - and do many things you perhaps don’t like doing. But as you scale, it’s vital to take a step back and build a business that can grow rapidly beyond the time you put into it.
What shift in perspective has allowed you to see things differently?
It may sound simple, but realizing and truly understanding that we are all different and driven by different things has made a significant impact on me. This insight has changed the way I approach relationships and leadership.
What’s a guiding principle that informs the way you build and run your business?
One of our core values at Cozero is radical candor. It is the idea that the willingness to repeatedly enter uncomfortable situations to speak the truth benefits everyone in the long run. We believe that in order to grow and improve as an organization, we need to create an environment where our team is not afraid to challenge processes and decisions. Making this a core value guides us in difficult situations when it’s not clear which road to take.
What's a mistake that you're happy you've made?
I'm happy I chose a highly regulated market, even though it was tough. It taught me a lot about patience, attention to detail, and the importance of doing things right. These lessons have made me better at what I do.