Show Notes:

A setback is a lesson. “It’s a setback, but there’s also a lesson there. If you can learn from the lessons — not just experience the pain, but really analyze and reflect on what the true lesson is — you’ll gain more than just new information. You’ll ultimately change your behavior. If you truly level up from that, you’re always going to grow and evolve. I find that those who don’t grow and evolve are the ones who don’t truly take away the lessons from their experiences.”

New growth = new systems. “You’re going to outgrow the systems you had before. The processes that used to work with a smaller team and less complexity will not work forever. It’s just part of business, and you’ll figure it out eventually if you don’t give up. If you continue to project ahead and plan ahead, you’ll stay on track. I used to think month to month, then eventually quarter to quarter. Now, I think years into the future. We plan five to 10 years out. You start to think much more long-term rather than short-term. Instead of putting Band-Aids on things, you’re actually solving root issues.”

Walk the talk. “I think you have to be on the front lines with your team. You have to show them that you are all-in and fully committed. Sometimes, it’s about laying out a vision for how you’re going to navigate whatever challenge you’re facing right now. It could be the right vision or the wrong vision, but you need to have something — some sort of plan. Also, I think you don’t show your commitment through words; you show it through actions. If you’re there with your team late at night, if you’re the one coming in on weekends, and if you’re setting the standard and the tone, that’s going to do a lot more to boost morale than bringing in lunches, donuts, or motivational pep talks.”

Lead yourself first. “You’re not going to make it if you can’t take care of yourself. I understand there are times when it can be a sprint, but if you compromise on sleep, exercise, and nutrition, everything becomes harder. Whatever you’re dealing with and whatever challenges you’re facing, they’re already going to be difficult enough, so there are certain things that have to be non-negotiables. I think the key to navigating this is to really prioritize your health and show up as the leader who sets the example.”