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The 3 (surprising) traits of a super successful entrepreneur

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The 3 (surprising) traits of a super successful entrepreneur

I questioned even telling you the guys name because I don’t want this to become a piece about how awesome he is. I’m not a fan of putting people on pedestals. In fact, I think it’s a dangerous thing to do as an entrepreneur. Not only does is put unwanted pressure on the person you’ve put up there, but it tends to make you shrink in their presence (been there, done that). And shrinking is never a good idea.

Anyhow, I will tell you his name because he’s a rad guy & I’m really stoked to be working alongside him. Svein is the founder of Starboard (one of the biggest SUP companies in the world).

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Brand evolution - Doing it right

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Brand evolution - Doing it right

I said I would talk about why evolution can be good for business…. and here’s my take on it: Evolution means you are growing. It means things are moving. For most businesses, it means you are paying attention — to your customers/clients’ needs, to the times, to the industry and to your own gut instincts.

It also means your business remains relevant. Things stay fresh (which means you stay excited about your work). For me, change in my business has almost always been a good thing. Keeping a clear vision of where you want to go, but remaining flexible on how you get there is super important. Too much rigidity will kill your business.

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Business as a force for good — Here’s how

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Business as a force for good — Here’s how

Both men took a different path — Yvon chose to stay in business and commit to using his work as a force for good. Redefining what it meant to be a successful business (side note: If you haven’t already, go read his book Let My People Go Surfing, it’s incredible). And Doug transitioned out of the business world (he used to say ‘- to pay his rent for living on the planet’) and moved to Chile to concentrate on land conservation & environmental activism. His previous success (and the financial gain that came from it) enabled him to buy huge amounts of land in Argentina & Chile, in order to protect the fragile environment.

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Choose your tribe

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Choose your tribe

Yesterday, I was given the opportunity to speak at an event that aligns with so much of the work I’m doing. The Blue Mind Collective is a summit that speaks to the deep emotional connection we have with water and how the interplay directly impacts our lives.

I found myself surrounded by incredible people. Some of whom I’m blessed to have in my local tribe, and many who were on my ‘global tribe’ list. And here’s whats crazy…. by leaning into this whole tribe thing, for the long haul, I’ve witnessed a shift. People who were on my global tribe list are now moving to my local tribe list. People who I’ve followed on Twitter, whose books I have devoured, whose work has influenced mine profoundly, are becoming friends, mentors & collaboration buddies.

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Please don't attempt to do this alone

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Please don't attempt to do this alone

This is the meaning of tribe.

This crew, these friends, this family. All walking their own path. All figuring this shit out as they go along. But all having each other's backs. No matter what.

There is infinite power in these relationships.

It’s funny. I wrote about tribes exactly a month ago. Fresh off the back of an awesome speaking opportunity at Blue Mind. Riffing on the all amazing synchronicity that happens when you choose to surround yourself with the right people. Celebrating all the good stuff.

And then boom, 30 days later and the real value shows up. These moments, when you are covered in the metaphorical blood, sweat and (not so metaphorical) tears of entrepreneurship, when you understand what it means to have a tribe.

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Reaching maximum bandwidth

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Reaching maximum bandwidth

And so, at about 6 am, as I was flicking through the training manual that I’d just printed off for a final check, I fell down the stairs.

Not just a couple. I slipped at the top and bounced my way down the entire staircase, landing in a heap at the bottom somehow still holding my laptop in the air, with the hundred or so pages of workbook scattered around me.

It hurt. A lot.

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The most sacred hour of my week

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The most sacred hour of my week

Every Wednesday morning, at 8 am, I have a call with my mastermind buddy, Lucy. What’s a mastermind buddy? Well, for me at least, it’s someone you connect with on a regular basis to talk business.

The concept of mastermind groups came from a guy called Napoleon Hill in the early 1900’s. He wrote about the mastermind principle as: “The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.”

And for me, the introduction of this call into my weekly routine has been one of the biggest game-changers for my business. Lucy and I have walked through some pretty big stuff together. Business launches. Business fails. Hiring & firing. Negotiating big deals. Learning to say yes. Learning to say no. Big picture strategy stuff. Day to day decisions that have the potential to make or break you.

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Is work/life balance a myth?

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Is work/life balance a myth?

I’ve just spent the last 10 days in Bali. Here’s how most people spend 10 days in Bali: They kick back by the pool. They go visit stuff. They go out to eat. They surf. They hang out with friends. They relax.

And here’s what’s interesting… I did all that stuff. But I also worked my ass off. I worked with clients most days. I surfed when the tide was right and worked when the wind got up. I still got to go exploring, I just took my laptop with me and checked into a co-working space to get a few hours work done. It turns out that work/life blend is waaaay easier than work life/balance.