Have you ever found yourself waiting for the perfect moment to make a significant change? Many of us do, but as I’ve discovered, sometimes the most impactful decisions arise from taking action.
This was the theme of my recent interview with Nasheen Liu, in which I shared insights on:
- Transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship
- Building a culture of transparency and purpose within our team
- Ideas for navigating the evolving landscape of B2B marketing
- Advice to the next generation of aspiring leaders
The Path to Entrepreneurship
Making a switch from corporate to entrepreneurial life was a gradual process for me driven by personal growth and opportunities. There were no life-changing decisions or moments, nor was there a boss I hated who made me make a ‘bold’ move. Life circumstances played into my decision, but it took nearly 5 years of trial and error, testing things out, and most importantly, expanding my network, to come to fruition.
What I’ve noticed is that for most folks, career changing decisions happen organically. It’s the small steps we take toward living a life we’ve envisioned for ourselves, not giant pivots, that lead us onto a path to which we choose to commit a lot of our time and energy.
I also can’t extend enough gratitude to those who’ve helped us, directly and indirectly, in starting and growing Hyphen. Investing in meaningful relationships, being a kind human, and acting on your promises have a funny way of coming back to you – not to mention helping you sleep at night.
Creating a Positive Work Environment
For Hyphen, a culture of transparency and empowerment has been essential in building a thriving business in a competitive landscape. We’ve implemented various initiatives to foster a work environment that’s built on values. Here are a few examples:
- Sharing financial information with the team on a quarterly basis and encouraging them to ask questions has created a more transparent, engaged, and innovative workplace.
- Becoming a 1% for the Planet Business Member in 2020 (we annually donate 1% of our sales to socio-environmental non-profits) has helped us solidify our brand reputation, increase client and team loyalty, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Pursuing B Corp certification in 2024 is part of our overall business strategy to showcase our dedication to being a responsible business. We believe that it’ll increase customer loyalty and our team engagement, set us apart in the market, and help us achieve long-term financial success.
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of B2B Marketing
B2B marketing is a dynamic field that’s constantly evolving, as purchasing decision making has been evolving. It’s become more complicated, and as a result, is often looked at as B2C’s boring cousin. We couldn’t disagree more.
Successful businesses that sell their products and services to other businesses prioritize brand building, customer centricity, creativity, and using technology to create meaningful client experiences. There’s nothing boring about that! They may not be as flashy, but the effort is rewarding. It’s critical to focus on all these areas to differentiate your business in a competitive market and to build lasting relationships with your customers.
Words of Wisdom to Future Leaders
Never discount the power of relationships. In fact, I recommend doubling down and investing as much of your time and energy in them as you do into developing your skills and education – if not more.
Embrace opportunities that come your way, even if you’re not 100% sure they’re your thing. By saying yes to new experiences, fostering connections with colleagues, seeking out mentors and sponsors, and embracing opportunities for growth and advice, you will position yourself for a good life.
Leaders that I resonate with possess a natural curiosity and a strong ability to build relationships. Even though not everyone is born with a natural disposition to do this, it can be developed. Self improvement stems from self awareness turned into action – and actions always speak louder than words.
Every single one of us will have a different journey and path. My journey has been one of learning to be patient, staying persistent, and enjoying life fuelled by strong relationships. How would you like to position yourself to reach success in your own career, business, and personal endeavors?
About Executive Insights
Executive Insights is a videocast series featuring exceptional leaders. Nasheen Liu, Partner and SVP of CIO Program Strategy at The IT Media Group, speaks with technology and business leaders across industries to share best practices for driving change in a new world of work.
