Stepping Back to Step Forward: My Entrepreneurial Reflections and New Role.

Personal Reflection

Having been an entrepreneur for over 30 years and recently stepping back from operating roles as a CEO/Founder, I've finally had the chance to reflect on my journey. This time of introspection has been invaluable—a true gift. It's helped me understand what truly motivates me, pinpoint my strengths, and recognise where I add the most value—and, most importantly, where I don't.

Transitioning from operational roles has been quite challenging. Being in the thick of things, building teams, working in the trenches with great people, and aligning behind a vision creates dynamic interactions that I thrive on. When this stops, dealing with the drop in adrenaline (which was needed) and recognising that our identity is often tied to what we do can be difficult. It's easy to roll into the next 'thing' without unpacking these stories and ensuring we're on the right path.

Renewed Energy

The past 18 months have been about getting my health back on track, and I have had to explore many things (that I am happy to share with people on similar journeys). I have loved diving into my podcast, which has been inspiring. What is most pleasing is that my health is good, but honestly, it has been a journey, and I have had to do the work. Ask Rach :) With this renewed energy, I've started thinking about what's next.

Over the last 18 months, I have enjoyed investing, supporting these companies, taking on Chair roles, my podcast (session two soon) and public speaking, but a part of me still craves that interpersonal and team environment. I've realised how much I still love it.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Having taken a step back, I've asked myself, what is the essence of entrepreneurship beyond the threshold of risk and grit? What defines an entrepreneurial mindset?

I now believe the essence of entrepreneurial thinking lies in moving our minds to a state of neutrality—freeing ourselves from preconceived notions and societal constructs. Much like life, our reality is shaped by the meanings we choose to assign, often filtered through conditioned lenses over time. Business constructs are no different; they are rules that are usually mere illusions—collective agreements we've made within industries and organisations.

By changing our mindset and skillfully navigating this, we can decide where to invest our energy and meaning or create new meanings by questioning existing ones.

This approach encourages us to explore, develop, and innovate beyond conventional thinking while staying grounded in the benefit of actual operational experiences. I see this philosophy as the foundation for new innovation.

What Sparks Innovation into Momentum

Reflecting over the years as an entrepreneur, I've realised that the heart of innovation lies not just in the ideas themselves but in the values that drive and shape them. It's not enough to have a vision; that vision must align with our core values to truly resonate and inspire groups of people to action. These values are the lifeblood of the creative process, infusing energy and momentum into our work and transforming ideas into impactful, tangible outcomes.

As we delve into where human potential is required in the future, I firmly believe that the energy of aligning people is something that artificial intelligence cannot replicate. While AI can analyse data and generate solutions, it lacks the innate ability to connect on a profoundly human level.

Our capacity to align our work with our values, to inspire and be inspired, to feel and empathise, is what sets us apart. This breathes life into our innovations, making them meaningful and relevant to the people we design for.

Through the years, I've seen firsthand that the most successful and enduring innovations are those deeply rooted in genuine human connection and empathy. This unique blend of vision and values enables us to create with purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and making a lasting impact that is often overlooked today.

This is, I believe, is what I miss most about being part of ventures. It is special when this comes together.

Back to the Future

Years back, Peter Williams kindly brought me into Deloitte as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) between ventures. I have such fond memories of that time. It was the perfect way to share my experiences while figuring out my next venture. The role allowed me to work with great people, understand corporate innovation, offer insights, foster innovation, and support leaders in navigating the competitive landscape as we looked at investing in opportunities and taking new products to market. I also enjoyed chairing the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, and when I ask myself why I enjoyed these roles, I realise I love possibility.

Possibility is the gateway to innovation and growth. It's about envisioning what could be, beyond the confines of current reality. It's the courage to explore uncharted territories and the belief that we can create a meaningful impact.

Entrepreneur in Residence

So now, I have realised that I still want to be involved in ventures, but as support, not having to lead the peloton. So, I am now moving back to becoming EIR. The reason? Because I enjoy the energy of working with people.

I am thrilled about the upcoming year, as it will allow me to immerse myself in activities I genuinely enjoy and challenge mindsets: supporting groups in an EIR role and collaborating with portfolio companies of private equity, venture capital funds, government divisions, and various corporates and companies.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to provide strategic mentorship and share experiences with CEOs and corporate teams, actively participating in strategic planning, assisting in seizing new opportunities, originating investment thematics, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Collaborate

I can't wait to collaborate with remarkable groups in Australia and overseas. While I balance my commitments and explore new investments, I will continue to define whether there is another venture inside of me over the next 12 months—honestly, I am not sure.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has shown genuine care and support over the last 18 months. Your friendship and thoughts mean a lot to me.

I'm looking forward to catching up over a coffee soon. RT