Embracing the Power of Growth Mindset
Sometimes, the most profound transformations truly come from the simplest shift in perspective.
Today, I want to reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had of leading a small team of brilliant creatives and the power of embracing a growth mindset.
When I first fell into this entrepreneurial adventure, I never would have predicted the challenges that awaited me. One day – happily bumbling along working a corporate job when a tiny seed was planted in my brain. “There’s gotta be more than just this?”. Fast forward a few years and LAWD let me tell you. There’s a LOT more. Too much, somedays!
The path of building a business from scratch is a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and setbacks. A tale as old as time. Sleepless nights spent juggling deadlines, and navigating uncharted territory. All in the pursuit of chasing a dream.
Yet, through every hurdle and roadblock, one thing that hasn’t faltered is my internal steadfast commitment to developing a thriving team and nurturing their creative brilliance.
ONE OF THE MOST PROFOUND LESSONS I’VE LEARNED ON THIS JOURNEY IS THE UNDENIABLE SIGNIFICANCE OF A GROWTH MINDSET.
It’s the belief that our abilities, talents, and skills can be developed and expanded through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. As a leader, adopting a growth mindset has been pivotal in shaping our team’s collective trajectory.
At its core, a growth mindset acknowledges that our talents and capabilities are not fixed, predetermined entities. Instead, it celebrates the understanding that we are not limited by our current skill set or knowledge. With a growth mindset, we recognize that challenges, setbacks, and failures are not indicators of our limitations but stepping stones on the path to progress.
In my early days, I faced doubts and uncertainties. Imposter syndrome whispered in my ear, questioning my capabilities and qualifications. To this day, like a pesky in-law, it still shows up unannounced. But rather than succumbing to self-doubt, I actively chose to see these moments as opportunities for growth.
Building a team is a transformative experience. It means relinquishing some control and trusting others to bring their unique talents to the table. I quickly realized that true leadership? It lies in empowering others, in providing a safe space for their ideas to bloom and their voices to be heard AND encouraged.
Together, over the years our wonderful team have weathered storms and celebrated milestones, both clients’ and our own. We have honed our creative skills, and discovered unique and innovative ways to sprinkle ‘surprise and delight’ into our projects.
A GROWTH MINDSET IS A CORNERSTONE OF MY LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY.
I first learned about the concept about ten years ago, from a person in my life with a professional sporting background (which surprisingly has a lot of overlap to business leadership).
Having a growth mindset and encouraging a team to develop one, inspires me to foster an environment where:
- mistakes are seen as valuable lessons,
- where experimentation and innovation are encouraged, and
- where collaboration and collective growth are cherished.
It means relinquishing the need for total control and trusting our team members to unleash their creative potential.
In the realm of leadership, a growth mindset enables building resilient, collaborative teams that thrive on challenges and turn setbacks into stepping stones. It empowers us to celebrate not only our own growth but the growth of those around us. It affords me the ability to recognise the invaluable contributions of each and every team member, understanding that their development is a testament to our collective success.
GROWTH IS RARELY COMFORTABLE. FACT.
It requires stepping outside of our comfort zones, embracing uncertainty, and persisting in the face of adversity. The other side of that comfort zone? Pure joy. Witnessing the growth and development of the team, witnessing their triumphs and the incredible impact they make, fills my heart with immense gratitude.
I am deeply proud of the dedication and brilliance of the individuals who make up our small but mighty team. Each and every person brings a unique perspective and skill set, background and ideas, that contributes to our team’s creativity and innovation.
To all the fellow small business owners out there, especially my fellow female leaders, I want to encourage you to embrace the power of a growth mindset.
CELEBRATE YOUR WINS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, AND LEARN FROM YOUR LOSSES.
Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek out knowledge, and never be afraid to take risks.
Leadership is not about being infallible. Where I see success is inspiring others to rise, to challenge the status quo, and to soar to new heights.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kate – Chief Risk Take + Director
