Business growth is usually seen as the ultimate goal, right? More revenue, larger teams, bigger profits. For me, though, the real game-changer came when I stopped chasing growth for the sake of growth and shifted my focus. Instead of obsessing over numbers, I put my energy into personal development—mine and that of my employees.
The Turning Point: Discovering My ‘Why
It all started with a book called Start With Why by Simon Sinek. Up until then, I was trapped in a mindset that growing the top-line revenue of my business was the path to success. I believed that hitting financial milestones would bring me happiness and fulfillment. But after working 80-hour weeks and constantly chasing what others defined as success, I began to question everything. I asked myself, “Why am I working this hard? Why am I doing all of this if it isn’t leading me to the life I truly want?”
Shifting Focus: Impacting others
That’s when everything clicked. I discovered my true “why”: I wanted to make a meaningful impact on others. I realized that by transforming the lives of my employees, I wasn’t just running a company that paid people to show up—I was building a company that inspired them.
When your employees are inspired, they’re not just trading their time for money—they’re motivated, passionate, and genuinely care about the work they do. They’re no longer just earning a paycheck; they’re working toward a shared purpose and contributing to something bigger than themselves. That’s when real growth happens—when everyone is invested, not just in their salary, but in the vision and mission of the company.
The Impact: How Focusing on People Leads to Success
This shift in focus didn’t just improve my employees’ experience—it changed everything. Our customers felt the difference. They preferred working with inspired employees who were truly committed to their work. And in turn, that commitment and passion translated into better results, better service, and ultimately, business growth.
The Key Takeaway: Leadership is about People, Not Just Profits
The lesson I learned? Leadership isn’t just about having all the answers or pushing for growth. It’s about investing in people—yourself and your employees. When you focus on creating an environment where your team can thrive, the business will follow. It may not always be immediate, but the long-term results speak for themselves.
What’s your ‘Why’?
So if you’re feeling stuck, constantly chasing growth, I challenge you to pick up Simon Sinek’s Start With Why and ask yourself: Why am I doing this? What’s driving me? In the end, it’s not just about growing your business—it’s about growing people. And when you do that, you’ll create a culture that leads to success on every level.