1. What have you found most challenging as a leader of a small or medium enterprise?

Knowing where the hell to start

2. How did you become a leader of an SME? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I was a salesman. trying to sell to a customer. The customer aid they didn't want my product. But they liked me and asked could I start a company for them that sold the same product. I grew that business and exited it. And now started my own company which solves the problems of my previous one.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I have a young child - so I work around him.

4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?

That I'm not very good at most things - but that's ok - lots of people aren't good at what I am. Hire for your failings and trust it will work.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Shoe Dog.

It made me stop looking at peoples niche of expertise and start looking at their achivements.

6. How do you build leadership capacity in an SME?

Hoping I can learn more than I can offer here.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader of an SME so far?

I screw up a lot. My team screws up almost as much. Where customers are concerned I have learned that the best strategy is to become a pin cushion. Customers prefer complaining to the owner rather than a sales rep. And sales reps buy into the company much more when their leader takes one for the team.