What does it take to lead a company to success through turbulent times?
In this episode, join Tiffany Sauder, CEO of Element Three and a 2018 40 Under 40 honoree, shares her journey of steering her company through two significant economic downturns and earning multiple spots on the Inc. 5000 list. Tiffany provides a candid exploration of her entrepreneurial path, discussing the challenges of expanding her agency during the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting leadership roles for company growth, and balancing family life.
Tune in to discover how Tiffany successfully navigated the "messy middle" of her journey and emerged stronger.
Key takeaways:
Adaptability and Decisive Leadership: Tiffany emphasized the importance of quick decision-making during the COVID-19 crisis. It was through immediate action and clear communication that they managed to navigate those uncharted waters.
- Embracing Team Collaboration: Tiffany’s shift from an "I" to a "we" mentality highlights her move towards a collaborative, team-based approach. By delegating day-to-day tasks and concentrating on key areas, leaders can enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Aligning Values with Financial Goals: The episode explores the challenge of balancing personal values with financial ambitions. Tiffany stresses maintaining health, sleep, and relationships while pursuing professional goals, advocating for a balanced approach to success that incorporates passion, financial savvy, and a strong company culture.
Timestamps:
00:00 Control, planning, and risk-taking.
05:33 Seeking influence, authority; upbringing shapes perspective.
07:59 Taking risks in your 20s
09:36 Finance background transitioned into marketing
15:40 Founders need passion, energy, and magnetism
17:41 Offering resources and investing in employees' growth
21:45 Bigger campaigns, risk, accountability, testing, client partnership
23:06 Mindset: turning "never" and "always" into opportunities
28:29 Business coach lessons
31:20 Adversity made me stronger
34:39 Founders need individual moxie and obsession.
39:22 Operational help for business to grow.
41:52 Shifting leadership roles
46:00 Balancing career, family, and personal fulfillment purposefully
47:14 Balancing financial success and family life effectively.
What is After the First Million?
This is your destination for feeling empowered in building your business.
These are the real, raw stories of entrepreneurs and business owners who have built their businesses through the messy middle of $1-20 Million, hosted by serial entrepreneur Matt Tait.
Matt knows what it’s like to scale past the first million, and on this show he’ll be bringing on other serial entrepreneurs and business owners who have been there, done that (or, are currently in it) to share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what’s next.