Lessons from leadership: Reflections on my journey

I've recently found myself saying this both to myself and others: It's a simple phrase that has become an important mantra for me, particularly after recently exiting a company I joined as a junior and eventually ran and invested in for almost seven years.

In reflection, it's crystal clear. The founder of that company was smart, motivational, and good at selling a vision. But beneath the intellectual façade, there was a complete lack of emotional intelligence, and those I once respected became nothing more than corporate abusers.

Reputational Reflection

Some may call it a weakness, but my style of leadership is inspired by the likes of Warren Buffett, who often stresses the significance of measuring every act against what you would be happy to have written about on the front page of a national newspaper. For more Buffett wisdom, visit buffetbot.kieranglover.xyz.

One popular quote goes something like this:

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.

Intangible Lifetime Value

My unwavering commitment to upholding relationships and reputation among clients, colleagues, and peers continues to provide more than just monetary value.

As I close this chapter, I’m proud to have a pool of skilled individuals, potential clients, business partners, and potential investors—not just a pot of money at the end of the rainbow.

An almost ironic end to this musing is that in my previous company, I took over a small-margin account that was largely neglected and mismanaged by those involved. I turned the project around, grew the account, and eventually, when I exited the company, that same client became my first consulting client—a firm that has great weight and power in the region.