UBA057 - The Mirror Within
A career on reflection
In our fast-paced world, taking time to look inward can lead to profound insights and growth. Self-reflection allows me to understand my actions, motivations, and potential.
The Entrepreneurial Journey: A Unique Set of Challenges
Being a business founder comes with a unique set of responsibilities. Maintaining a business and employing others brings immense stress, as we are accountable for the livelihood of the team and the success of the business. How does this compare to a traditional career where certain aspects, such as job security and administrative support, are taken care of?
Founders and entrepreneurs often gamble with the intensity of the founding years, dedicating all their energy to starting an enterprise. I’ve even met people who solely focus on their business, saying they don't have time for relationships. It takes a certain type of person to start a business—one who is willing to take risks and make sacrifices. There’s often a maternal perspective, with founders defending and supporting their ventures, going without to give their businesses the best start possible or over tight patches.
The Power of Pause
Reflecting on my experiences helps me make sense of my actions and decisions. It's not just about what I do, but why I do it. How often do I take a step back to understand my true motivations?
Balancing Career and Personal Life
Over the years, I’ve poured my heart into my work, driven by passion and ambition. Yet, this often comes at the cost of personal relationships and self-care. Am I spending enough time with my family? Am I prioritising personal growth over professional achievements?
Doubt and Uncertainty
The creative industry is riddled with uncertainty, especially when you've been going as long as we have. Projects can be unpredictable, trends change rapidly, and job security can feel elusive. Was it all worth it? Did I make the right choices? These questions are natural and necessary for growth.
The Impact of Holidays and Conversations
Interestingly, having just been away on holiday often provides the perfect backdrop for self-reflection. The change of scenery, the slower pace, and the freedom from daily responsibilities allow our minds to wander into deeper thoughts. Abstract conversations with friends or strangers can spark new insights and perspectives.
I’ve found that having open chats with my son also brings a unique clarity. Children have a way of seeing the world with fresh eyes, asking questions that cut to the heart of the matter. These interactions remind me of what truly matters and offer a grounding perspective that can be both humbling and enlightening. Plus its interesting giving him thoughts to his career path whilst considerin that choice i made.
The Future and New Technologies
As I look to the future, the uncertainty brought by new technologies is affecting our industry profoundly. All those late nights and sacrifices over the years to get the business to where it is now seem to be under threat. In the past, there was a sort of guarantee—if you worked hard enough and smart enough, success would follow. Now, that certainty is disappearing.
New technologies like AI and automation are reshaping the landscape. The skills and expertise that were once the bedrock of my business are being challenged by innovations that could potentially render them obsolete. This forces me to question all the things I did: Were all those sacrifices worth it? Did I focus on the right priorities?
And to that end, it's one of the reasons for us to launch Against Time. Sometimes it's easier to start anew than to change something. The things we are exploring are exciting and refine how we can currently create. And influences and inspire our other business units.
There’s no guarantee of success in the future, but by staying flexible and open to new possibilities, we can navigate these uncertainties. It's hard not to feel a sense of loss for the effort and time invested, but it’s crucial to stay forward-thinking.
I am reminded of the conversation we had with Lauren Lotka and Dean Evans and the one about to drop with Tom, and I’m sure that a lot of people are feeling uncertain at the moment, check them out
Planning for the Future
I can't undo the past, but I can shape the future. This is the million-dollar question: how do I move forward with a healthier perspective on running a business?
A Healthier Perspective: Over the years, I’ve developed a healthier point of view about running a business. I used to fight tooth and nail for it, but I've learned the importance of balance and well-being.
Employee Expectations: People now look for more from their careers. They seek purpose and fulfillment and often look to leadership to provide a clear plan and direction. How can I meet these expectations while balancing commercial needs?
Leadership and Vision: As leaders, it's our responsibility to navigate these complexities. It's hard to balance everything, but by setting a clear vision and fostering a supportive culture, we can guide our team through uncertainty.”.
Conclusion
Embracing self-reflection isn’t a one-time activity but a lifelong journey. By integrating self-reflection into my daily life, I can unlock deeper insights, foster resilience, and drive personal and professional growth. Am I ready to pause, look inward, and harness the power of self-reflection to navigate the uncertainties ahead?
The future is full of possibilities. By maintaining a balanced perspective and staying attuned to the evolving needs of my team, I can lead with purpose and create a fulfilling path forward.
Written by Mark
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