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

Making sure you and your cofounder are on the same page, and separating when you are not. It's incredibly tough when you realize that the person you have chosen to be your business partner doesn't necessarily wish to go in the same direction as the one you are heading in, but, should you find yourself in that situation, it is necessary to part ways and continue on your journey. Better to go alone than to not go at all.

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

I've had the goal/dream/vision to start a series of companies that would eventually all fall under one umbrella/parent company, and I have begun the process by co-founding two companies with my business partner already, and I plan to continue on.

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

I work in random bursts of energy far better than just structured blocks of time; however, I've found that my most productive times are when I commute using the train. I like to wake up, go to the train station, and take my commute via train as my time to do my daily journaling, get into a solid mental zone and get focused for the day, then get to work. After work, I tend to relax and either host or attend social events I helped organize, as I am most fulfilled by spending time with people.

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

I would have to say that without doubt, the most significant leadership lesson I've learned is that your people must be on the same page as you if you wish to move forward. If you want to go north but your co-founder or your business partner or close friend or employee wants to go south, you simply won't get anywhere. You have to either make a compromise, or you have to find somebody else who is willing to go the same direction you want to go. It's tough because sometimes this means you have to let good people go, but it's necessary if you wish to really get anywhere.

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?

Without parallel, How to Win Friends and Influence People has by far been one of the most influential books I've read. The simple, down-to-earth strategies outlined in the book are very solid reminders to not just be a decent human being, but if you follow the book's teachings, you will realize that your handling of people will impact every single area of your life. For example, the simple act of expressing your gratitude for the people you work with will make them far more agreeable and can make the difference between them staying with you or them leaving you.

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

Not sure I am qualified to answer this question, sorry.