Leadership Live: EP 64 - Lessons Learned from Starting and Scaling a Startup Business with Dean van Zyl

EP 64 - Lessons Learned from Starting and Scaling a Startup Business with Dean van Zyl

Jul 4, 2023

This episode of Leadership Live features Dean Van Zyl, founder and CEO of National Adhesive. Dean shares his experience in building a successful startup and how defining a "vivid vision" has helped him navigate tough times. Being a leader is not always easy. There are always challenges that make up the emotional roller coaster that comes with being a CEO of a startup. The importance of vulnerability and decision-making in tough situations shapes a leader for the longhaul. Dean emphasises the importance of culture, a cohesive team and paying attention to the unspoken topics, like personal relationships and physical and mental wellbeing. This is one of these episodes, you don’t want to miss. So tune in, and let’s dive in.

Timestamps:

[00:00:21] Experienced CEO shares ups & downs.

[00:03:17] From down in the dumps to success.

[00:06:25] Licensing brand, finding clarity, implementing vision tool.

[00:12:32] Leadership team created a product and acknowledged the contribution.

[00:15:08] Expanding brands in hardware, aiming for high profits.

[00:19:23] Self-reflection prompts to improve interactions.

[00:21:49] Phone-free bedtime and structured work routine.

[00:26:33] Seed-to-scale shift requires team delegation.

[00:37:24] "Choose: sink or swim in depression"

[00:40:13] Decisiveness in tough times: keep going.

[00:42:54] Right partner is crucial to personal growth & success.

[00:47:36] CEO relationship, vulnerability, sharing information, practicality.

[00:53:36] Asking for help, routines, and exercise is important.

[00:57:09] Upcoming books, podcasts, and giving back.

Key questions:

1. How important do you think having a supportive partner is for success in business and life?

2. Do you believe that having a vivid vision is an effective tool for creating success in business?

3. What steps do you take to maintain positivity and resilience in tough times?

4. Dean mentioned the importance of asking for help or advice when needed. Do you struggle with this?

5. How do you balance focusing on your own personal growth while also directing and leading your team?

6. How do you handle unpredictable challenges and navigate the unknown when building a startup?

7. Do you have a specific routine that helps you manage your work-life balance and achieve your goals?

8. What role do you think vulnerability plays in leadership?

9. How do you handle and overcome failure or setbacks in your business journey?

10. Dean discussed the importance of finding opportunities by having a clear definition of what he was looking for. Do you believe this is an effective way to create opportunities in your own business endeavors?

Resources:

PODCAST WEBPAGE:

www.daphnahorowitz.com/podcastlive

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