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

Realising that I can’t do it all – not for long anyway and then doing just that for the next 4 years stopping the company growth as a result.
Getting the team to understand and buy into my vision.
Saying NO sometimes.

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

Managing production for small sign-making businesses as a Production Manager — I have observed owners of these establishments telling myself there has to be another way — I have finally decided to try it on my own and established my own business.

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

You will find me on the shop floor sticking my 5p into everything – yes I am a control freak and to make matters worse obsessed with the details and quality. Luckily the growing team of the right people allows me to be less involved with the daily routine and concentrate more on the company image, strategy, and customer service.

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

Negativity spreads faster than positivity! Be careful how you use negative examples and how you react to negative people.

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?

I enjoy reading or listening to Mike Mihcalowicz. His book The Pumpkin Plan definitely had an impact on the way I run my business now and as a result how I lead my team. We try to do different and better not just more!

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

By trying to give ownership - not only of the task but areas of the business - I then observe if this is what makes the individual happy if it does they will continue to grow and can become leaders in their areas organically by sharing enjoyment and passion for what they do.

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

Having a laugh with the team through the day and being able to bring not only work task-related stories home from work means that we are having a great time together while achieving for the business - now that is meaningful for me.