Freedom Is What Drives Me As An Entrepreneur

I was interviewed recently and thought I would share. Like many others who have started their own business, freedom and and passion, not money, are my motivation. Creating something that didn’t exist before is exciting and challenging. Having the freedom to work with people you want to work with, and spending time on things that matter to me are very strong drivers of being an entrepreneur. Although the responsibilities are sometimes heavy, the autonomy of being able to work towards goals that I set for myself is hugely satisfying. Plus I love working with people that inspire and challenge me. All too often, you do not get to choose who you work with when you are an employee. 

I also enjoy the challenge of problem solving and learning new skills. When you start out, you are in charge of all aspects of a business and you learn a lot. If you keep that mindset, the world is endlessly fascinating and there is always something to learn. 

What’s my advice for a successful business? 

Define your own version of success. It is too easy to be led astray, get caught up in what culture and what others think success looks like. Those versions are not necessarily aligned to your own and too many people do not take the time to understand what they really want. There is a lot of self development work with being a successful business owner. Dedicate time to what feels good, what is enough and what you want to bring to the world.

To take success even further, we need to start imagining how we can contribute to the world far beyond ourselves. We barely think past ourselves, our own immediate interests and bottom lines. To imagine how we can plan to ensure the best from our actions and businesses 100 years from now takes rethinking. How can we rise to our highest human capacities? To look beyond ourselves and care about a future that does not include us. This is the ecosystem Keystone is trying to create through small actions with cumulative rewards, that reach far beyond the here and now.

What does this have to do with business? Everything. Our companies drive our behaviours in so many ways and we spend most of our time working, which is why it is so important to have value led businesses. And I do not mean that everyone has to save the world in big ways. We can all make small differences which collectively add up to positive change. We can all cultivate how to be more alert to what is good and life-giving in the ordinary encounters of your days.  This can be done through what you read, what you focus on, what you look for and notice in people close to you, and also what you notice in strangers. Let that shape the larger picture of the world that you’re working with. Be proactive in the life you cultivate and live out your own version of a successful working life. 

What advice do you have for yourself?

Step into your power.

I have been thinking about power lately. How I can give my power away and what it does to me and my relationships. Currently, I am working on changing how I feel about power. Yes, feel. 

 According to Standford’s executive education course, Discover the Paths to Power,

“There is a direct correlation between the understanding and mastery of power dynamics and personal and professional satisfaction and wellbeing.”

• Build and develop your power skills — and know when and how to use them. Create, grow, and use social networks
• Develop your personal brand and reputation to elevate success
• Think about career moves in progression to control career direction
• Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion to add to your LinkedIn profile and download for your records
• An engaging and flexible learning experience, without the application requirements or financial and time investment of a longer program.

I was surprised and excited to read the word wellbeing as part of their description around paths to power. I agree 110%. With power comes great responsibility, yes, but also a greater sense of wellbeing when used for good.

How we can embrace rather than reject our own strength. It is wise to remember that inadequacy makes us feel alone and before you reject power outright, think about using power for good.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” –Marianne Williamson

When we embrace and pursue our sense of power in the world, it is critical that we seek out people with whom we connect with—mentors, peers, friends, family, spiritual advisors, or therapists.  It will serve you well to remember that embracing your power is embracing your sense of purpose.

Our most powerful relationship is with ourselves, and that can be a powerful connector to the world. And as we see time and time again, when we embrace our purpose, the best relationships emerge with people who support or share in your mission and your struggle. That kind of community, one who shares in your power, champions your worth and work, can do great things.

It is a beautiful thing to know your worth and step into your own power. 

If you would be up for sharing your story of entrepreneurship, we would love to share!