How can you be an entrepreneurial leader?

The potency of vision with entrepreneurship is intangible wealth that tangibly impacts. The short range alignment of value and passions aid in strategic mastery in tactical execution. Purpose driven actions often allow for flexibility and adaptations for the ups and downs endured from the pruning process to deliver on the vision.

To be an entrepreneurial leader, three key qualities are essential. First, you need to demonstrate steadfast belief and unshakeable confidence in the vision, mission, team, and yourself. This consistent show of faith instills trust and motivation. Second, you need to prove your proficiency and capability in your role. Adhere to your values and leverage your personal strengths to set an exemplary tone. Third, embrace empathy and vulnerability. This involves being present and having the courage to be accessible and vulnerable to connect authentically with your team. Let them know that they are valued and that you truly care.

People focus way too much on their personal vision, as if they're not going to lead it. Most companies visions are just a camouflaged way of increasing revenue. I much prefer having the vision of where the employee wants to be (for us it's often them starting their own independent business), and then exposing them to different aspects that'll help get them there. As a result, roughly half of our employees that leave, leave to start their own business.

Totally agree with you! It will be difficult to maintain motivation and focus on your objectives if your vision is unclear. Your vision needs to be something you are completely committed to and passionate about. Something you can do for longer period of time and lay an impact on the world. Additionally, it must be something that is doable but difficult enough to keep you inspired.

Complex question, but here are my TOP 5 based on deep experience in the trenches: (drumroll pl) 1. Owner mindset- willingness to take charge, have the game, put others first, etc 2. Balancing Action-orientation Vs. Delayed gratification (this is complicated stuff) 3. Unease with the status quo (even if they learn to live with it) 4. Use of personal influence and 5. ability to make decisions despite incomplete information.

In my opinion this is the crux of being an entrepreneur: to see opportunity where others only see risk (or don’t see at all). Having the courage to explore uncharted territory is part of the fun, and where the value (monetary and social) is hidden.

1. Adopt a "Fail Fast, Fail Forward" Approach: Encourage your team to create quick, inexpensive prototypes of new products or ideas. Test them, learn from what doesn't work, and iterate. Example: A software company could release a basic version of an app to test user engagement. Then, you quickly make changes based on user feedback and retest. 2. Feedback is a Gift: Regularly seek input from employees, customers, and industry experts. Example: A restaurant owner might host monthly tasting sessions with patrons to gain insight into preferences and expectations, using that feedback to refine the menu and service.

It is important to understand, and to recognize that in the midst of chaos, real or perceived, is opportunity! Leaders understand this challenge and capture and build on the opportunity that is created. This is an invaluable quality found in the entrepreneur.

I believe that entrepreneurial leaders embrace uncertainty by adopting a proactive and adaptive mindset where you learn to quickly leverage opportunities and address challenges that WILL and DO arise most effectively.

When we know everything and enjoy our comfort zone we limit growth but our brain is happy as we are safe. It takes courage, adaptability, flexibility, commitment, desire to grow to move into unchartered territories and find the gem. These are leaders that do their personal healing and development work, and show up fully present not bitter about the past or afraid of the future. In present we find the opportunities.

1. Host Regular Team-Building Activities Use them to build trust and collaboration, focusing on communication and empathy. Example: A design firm could hold monthly workshops where team members from various departments work on a common project, learning to appreciate different skills and perspectives. 2. Create a Personal Development Plan for Each Member Invest in your team's growth. It builds loyalty and engagement. And your company benefits from their development. Example: A tech startup CEO meets with an engineer to set both technical skill development goals (like learning a new programming language) and soft skill goals (like improving public speaking). Then offers resources and support to achieve them.

Assembling diverse teams is not just a commendable endeavor; it's an urgent imperative: ?? Diversity brings a plethora of perspectives to the table. Different backgrounds mean different ways of problem-solving, leading to innovative solutions. ?? A team that represents varied experiences can connect and resonate with a broader audience. ?? Limited investments? Diverse teams can maximize the return on these critical resources by combining their unique experiences. ?? In a dynamic marketplace, a diverse team can adapt, pivot, and persevere through challenges more effectively, owing to its collective wisdom. I urge startups and established enterprises alike to embrace diversity actively.

Accessing the skill is hard and accessing others skills is definitely harder and while building the team it becomes crucial. A few of the things has worked for me in my entrepreneurial past were around giving chances to people and seeing how they are liking and engaging in that particular act. Looking from the distance one can very clearly identify what's the calling and desire he/she has. Where he or she naturally gets engaged. Give more such responsibility to that individual and see if that act of doing helps your organisation. By doing some of these things you are not building the team but an uncompromising team who only wins.

To ensure hypergrowth in your startups, it's important to have teams with complimentary skills. Entrepreneurs are not necessarily the repository of all the wisdom in the world. They must take help of domain experts in operations, sales, HR legal & compliances etc. Highly driven teams with diverse experiences that can quickly assimilate prevailing market dynamics and come up with products & services as per the client needs are likely to succeed. New visions and perspectives must be encouraged , as also regular feedback from all stakeholders. I've personally found a strong TA team extremely useful in getting the required team to fuel growth.

Having a team and a steering committee are not the same aspects. There might be times where even with a diverse team you could be affected by bias (mainly your own). Having a steering committee in a board position can also help in the management of team, the corporation and more importantly them understanding your vision, values and goals can help you stay on the path you need and want to be on when so many other potentials, opportunities and possibility paths start to appear from every where.

Entrepreneurship is a selfless activity. Think about that for a second. Sure, many of us go into entrepreneurship to work "our" way, but at the same time, we're typically leveraging our purpose and gifts for the benefit of others. Or, at least, I hope we are! Finding your unique purpose and how it benefits others is magic, and it will inherently add value to the lives of others. Take that one step further by matching your skills, experience, and knowledge with a niche that needs your insight, solutions, and empathy, and the impact grows exponentially. This is the real power of entrepreneurship, and this is why I love being in the thick of it so very much!

For me Entreprenurship is about finding your purpose, its a gift and then giving your gift away, sharing learnings, insights and opportunities with as many disenfranchised people as possible.

For us creating value for the entire world is the vision - if we can make a sustainable company that contributes to solving one of the world's biggest problems then that is definitely worth persuing.. The UN’s SDG no. 4 is Quality Education, as education increases wealth & reduces poverty, leads to better health, prevents inequality & injustice, drives sustainable growth, and helps us protect the planet. In November 2017, we started developing uQualio, a video eLearning platform to help democratize learning. The business model is straight forwards... - Companies buy our platform for e-commerce, private, protected, or public purposes. - We donate our platform to NGOs with a good purpose. - Start-ups get 50 % discount the first year

Creating Value: qe have heard this qord a lot of times right? But it must to be said that before providing value to your customer (though it is essential) try to analyse the best value that you can provide to your employees- the people with you! Only a multiplication in the effects can lead to the best culture of creating value for others. And indeed the "CAN'T MISSED" aspect- the value for your customers/ clients.

Always Invest in your team as an entrepreneurial leader by recognizing that you cannot do everything alone. Build a diverse and talented team that shares their vision and values. Empower your team members to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities, and provide them with guidance, support, recognition, and opportunities for growth.

Continually innovating and growing is the true hallmark of entrepreneurship. Start-ups and businesses that ultimately fail are often those that have one great, amazing idea. This may put your business on the map. But that is not enough. You always need to be thinking about the next new thing and growing. Stagnating is not an option!

Innovation is one of the main drivers of my company's success which I highlight often in my upcoming book, TAKE A CHANCE! being published by Forbes Books in April. I went from being a retailer to a distributor to a manufacturer. Every year, I launch 50-100 new innovative products. We now manufacture more than 1000 SKU's. We have more best-seller and Amazon Choice products than any other beauty reseller. Our top two brands are market leaders. However, none of this came scripted. It all came about through innovation especially during uncertain times. The pandemic was the biggest pivot for my company and changed everything. It's an amazing part of my story in the book.

The business landscape is constantly changing. An entrepreneurial leader should be adaptable and open to change, both in terms of business strategies and personal development. Be open to new ideas and methods, and create a culture that promotes and rewards innovation. Without innovation, there is no growth. If the past three years have taught us anything is to adapt to change and innovation or face the possibility of being left behind. Change is the one constant in business and life.

Remember that innovation is not everything... Many startups and small companies die because the keep developing something that they like - but that no customer likes... So best advice from here - develop together with existing customers....

Innovate where you can have a strong meaning for it and not only for the sake of saying you are innovating. Even better, incorporate social innovation into your corporate operations where you can benefit the growth of your corporation as well as positively impact the society around you for a better world!

Foster Resilience and Emotional Intelligence In our unpredictable world, setbacks are guaranteed. What sets entrepreneurial leaders apart is their ability to use challenges as springboards for growth. This requires keen emotional intelligence—being self-aware, able to manage emotions, & empathetic towards others. Leadership is easy during good times; the real test comes when adversity strikes. Instead of wallowing in self-pity or blaming others, entrepreneurial leaders assess the situation, adapt, and take action, often emerging stronger. They recognize resilience as a skill, not just a trait, and actively work to develop it. In a world focused on quick success, enduring leaders are those who are both resilient and emotionally intelligent.

Besides learning, one needs to network and be present in their communities of interest, and collaborate. Networking adds a value-added to the learning environment and strengthens entrepreneurial leader muscles. For example: if you are in tech, go to hackathons, if you are in education, visit conferences, if you are in finance join mastermind and etc.

Leaders are proactive and decisive. They do not wait for others to tell them what to do or how to do it. They take action on their ideas and solutions, even if they are not perfect or complete. They also experiment with different approaches and methods, learn from the outcomes, and iterate quickly. Rise is always a part of the equation so grow with it

Knowledge is never wasted! No matter what you are learning, with creativity, critical thinking and imagination you are able to apply learnt knowledge in any field or industry. This will allow for various innovative ideas and approaches to flourish by allowing yourself to be boundless in your knowledge.

As an entrepreneur, the journey of learning and growth is a perpetual odyssey, brimming with opportunities to enrich your knowledge, hone your skills, and broaden your perspective. The entrepreneurial path is not merely a destination but a continuous evolution, where embracing lifelong learning becomes the cornerstone of success. Dedicate time for introspection and critical evaluation, fostering a habit of reflective inquiry into your experiences, triumphs, and tribulations. Regularly assess your progress vis-à-vis your learning objectives, celebrating achievements, identifying areas for further development, and leveraging introspection as a potent tool for self-awareness and continuous improvement.

10 SOFT SKILLS YOU NEED AS LEADER 92 % of INNOVATION projects STOPS due to a lack of buy-in. Your soft skills make your success. Here are 10 important ones: 1. Communication: to inspire others and foster collaboration. 2. Creativity: to Think outside the box and to stimulate innovation. 3. Adaptability: to navigate the uncertainties. 4. Empathy: for better team dynamics. 5. Emotional intelligence: to help build strong relationships. 6. Problem-solving: to drive innovation forward. 7. Resilience: to bounce back from failurer. 8. Leadership: to inspire and motivate others to embrace new ideas. 9. Collaboration: to build a diverse and inclusive environment. 10. Strategic thinking: to effectively leading innovation initiatives.

Seven recommendations: First, be insatiably curious - ask good questions. Second, be mentally agile. Third, listen and observe. Fourth, allow failures to become learning opportunities for yourself and those around you. Fifth, be transparent - the good, bad, and ugly. Sixth, be a supportive, aware, coach and cheerleader. Seventh, and most importantly, MODEL these skills and behaviors. Words are just words. If you "show up" with a directive, "I've got everything figured out," fixed mindset; if you punish failure; if you're crowding out every conversation; if you hide and obfuscate performance and results; the collaboration, buy-in, and psychological safety needed to push the boundaries of the current state will not be possible.

Being an entrepreneurial leader involves fostering innovation, risk-taking, and a growth mindset. Encourage a culture of creativity, where team members feel empowered to explore new ideas. Embrace calculated risks, recognizing that innovation often comes with uncertainty. Continuously seek opportunities for improvement and growth, both for individuals and the organization. Foster open communication, valuing diverse perspectives. Lead by example, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Cultivate a spirit of curiosity and a willingness to disrupt the status quo, inspiring your team to approach challenges with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Learn how to manage your energy and emotions. The highs are high, the lows are low, and your team, customers, and investors feed off of your energy. Your tank won't always be full, so know how to identify when you need a break and how to recharge your body, mind, and soul.

Remember that in leadership and especially in entrepreneurship, you need to establish your core values and have your entity's vision in line with them. A corporation is not just a name, building or asset, it is an extension of the people that made it, run it and believe in it; it is called an "entity" for a reason.