The foundation of scaling a sustainable enterprise comes from within

From holistically knowing yourself to operating without ego even in times of success, it is vital to ensure the bedrock of your vision is built to last.

In the volatile climate of ever-changing technology and uncertain economic conditions, career entrepreneurs still share the sentiment that great companies start and are sustained by the intrinsic principles of the founding team. From holistically knowing yourself to operating without ego even in times of success, below are five paradigm-shifting pillars to ensure that the bedrock of your vision is built to last:

1. REMAIN A COACHABLE FOUNDER

Throughout history, legacies have been left by leaders who were open to learning, adapting, and taking advice. Building a successful company often requires pivoting, making tough decisions, and learning from failures. A founder who is receptive to feedback and willing to seek guidance can navigate these challenges more effectively.

Steve MacDonald, CEO of MacDonald Ventures and world-renowned entrepreneur, not only portrays these pillars himself, but looks for these human characteristics first in potential investments, even before product-market fit.

In a climate that seems like marketing and the media sensationalize innovation first, it is reassuring to know the adage “If you build the people, the people will build the business” remains.

2. ATTRACT A FEEDBACK-CENTRIC, TALENT-DENSE TEAM

Surrounding yourself with a team of highly skilled and talented executives is crucial. These individuals should bring diverse expertise and experience to the table, complementing a founder’s strengths and filling in skills gaps. When scaling, especially at an inflection point of growth, human capital management regarding employees, partners, board members, and investors should become even more intentional.

Staffing up for the sake of a numbers quota is often a severe hindrance, as attrition is both a momentum and resource killer. Aligning morals, ethics, motivations, skills, and personalities when building teams takes longer than simply checking boxes that fulfill job title requirements, but the lasting outcomes are invaluable.

3. CONSTANTLY REFLECT, “WHAT MAKES YOU, YOU?”

Looking inward to understand what makes you unique and leveraging your strengths is essential. This self-awareness can help you make informed decisions about your company’s direction and strategy. It can also guide you in building a team that complements your abilities.

In collaborative cultures, it is now seen as a strength to vocalize your weaknesses—even within the C-Suite. Laying all your cards on the table, while actively having professional development protocols and peers to develop yourself into an ideal leader, yields psychological safety and trust and catalyzes humanitarian evolution.

4. WELCOME ADVERSITY WITHOUT BECOMING JADED

Entrepreneurship is a challenging journey with its share of ups and downs. It’s important not to become jaded or lose your passion along the way. Staying motivated, maintaining a positive outlook, and continuously finding ways to stay inspired are important for long-term success.

By approaching all stimuli with an optimistic outlook, while knowing every interaction is just an iteration to learn and grow, your mindset can become the biggest source of momentum.

5. ACTIVE LISTENING AND GENUINE HUMILITY ARE SUPERPOWERS

Combining active listening with humility can be particularly powerful. When you actively listen to your team, the market, your peers, and your employees, you are more likely to hear diverse viewpoints and insights. Doing so with humility allows you to accept and embrace those insights, making each decision more dynamic than the last.

In leadership and many other aspects of life, these qualities will forever be considered superpowers, because they enable you to navigate complex situations with grace and effectiveness, ultimately leading to better outcomes for yourself and those around you.