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Lemonlight recently turned 10 years old, and in honor of this milestone, I’ve been reflecting on how much the company and my role as a leader have changed.
At first I was thinking of ways as I went along, but my method is lead It has evolved in some pretty big ways over the years. Here are the top ten changes in my leadership since we began this journey.
Related: 10 years, 10 lessons – key insights from ten years of entrepreneurship
1. I am more proactive than passive
In the beginning, I often reacted to things as they happened—fires would break out and I would rush to put them out. now i try Anticipate problems before they become a problem. Being proactive saves time, stress, and energy, allowing us to focus on moving forward instead of always playing catch-up.
2. I ask more questions
When I first started, I would sometimes skip ask questionsthinking I already knew the answer or could figure it out myself. But over the years, I’ve learned that asking questions ahead of time can save a lot of time and energy. I now ask questions of everyone—team members, customers, and partners—because understanding their perspective and having the context I need helps me make more informed decisions.
3. I understand the market better
Before founding Lemonlight, I had no production background, so I had to learn a lot about the industry and market through trial and error. Now, I pay close attention to what is happening in the field so that we can stay one step ahead. A better understanding of market changes can help with day-to-day decision-making and long-term planning.
4. Over time, I built confidence
Early on, I faced a lot of self-doubt. I had already had one business failure, so I often questioned my decision and wondered if I was really cut out for this. Over the years, I have gained confidence through ups and downs. I know what I’m capable of now, which makes me a stronger leader on my team.
5. I listen to my gut
To be honest, believe me instinct It didn’t feel natural at first. I’ve questioned them and ended up in situations I could have avoided. These days, I lean into these feelings—I find that my intuitions are usually right, and trusting them has become a huge asset.
Related: Many Logical Reasons to Lead with Intuition
6. I learned to balance data with human insight
There is no doubt that data matters. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that the people and stories behind the numbers are just as important. Balancing data with the human side provides a more holistic perspective that helps us make informed, human-centered decisions.
7. I have relinquished control and accepted authority
When you start a company, it’s easy to try to do it all. But over the past decade, letting go and trusting others has changed the game. delegate Frees me up to focus on the big picture and helps build trust and domain expertise across the team.
8. I pay more attention to growth
Early on, I was focused on achieving immediate goals. My working days are spent fixing and managing the business. Now, I’m all about growth and scaling – both for the company and the people who work here. instead of extinguish fireI’m spending more time helping our company and team chart a path forward.
9. I have become a mentor to other entrepreneurs
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from interacting with other entrepreneurs who have struggled alongside me. Now that I have internalized some of that wisdom, sharing my own lessons learned with others has been extremely rewarding. I love being able to support new entrepreneurs and help them navigate their challenges and avoid some of the mistakes I made.
10. I learned to manage my emotions
Leadership comes with a certain amount of stress, and managing my emotions was key. In the beginning, I would have highs and lows, but now I have the tools to keep things on an even keel and bounce back from the bad days. for my own well-being and creating a Positive work environment.
Related: 6 Important Tips for Improving Emotional Control
The day we started Lemonlight, I never imagined that the company would become what it is today. Each of these ten lessons is transformative in its own way and helps us take small steps forward, cumulatively over the years. If you are embarking on your own leadership journey, I hope these points will help you move forward too!
