10 Lessons from 10 Years in Business
This week Ashley Logan reflects on her entrepreneurial journey and shares the top 10 lessons she has learned from starting her business Yakkety Yak from scratch a decade ago. She gets pretty candid about the value of culture, core values, and role clarity in building a successful business, while emphasizing the importance of taking a step back when needed. During this episode, nothing is off limits from mentorship to being the worst boss ever. Whether you are running a business, a solo-entrepreneur or helping out with the POT, tune in for practical insights on navigating the challenges of growth and leadership.
Key takeaways from the episode:
Culture is Everything. Building a positive, supportive work environment is crucial. Culture is not just who you hire but how you foster teamwork and inclusivity, from day-to-day operations to celebrating wins.
Core Values are Key. Core values are essential for hiring and retaining clients. Values like curiosity, authenticity, accountability, collaboration, and kindness ensure alignment and help eliminate unconscious bias in hiring and client relationships.
Find a Mentor. Mentorship offers guidance, support, and accountability. Ashley shares the value of connecting with a mentor who understands the unique challenges of entrepreneurship.
Burnout is Not the Answer. Prioritize self-care and set boundaries. Life is meant to be lived with joy and connection, not just constant productivity. Taking breaks is essential for maintaining personal well-being. It’s easy to get sucked into the demands of a business, but rest helps bring clarity and keeps you grounded.
The Journey is the Goal. Business is a journey of growth and self-discovery. Embrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and keep evolving.
Tune into the episode for all 10 key lessons Ashley learned from 10 years of running Yakkety Yak:
“Taking a break is vital to remember that you aren’t just your business. You’re more than that.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:16 Chapter 1: The Importance of Culture in Business
08:08 Chapter 2: Hiring and Client Relationships Based on Core Values
11:21 Chapter 3: The Significance of Role Clarity
14:16 Chapter 4: Taking Breaks and Avoiding Burnout
21:03 Chapter 5: The Value of Finding a Mentor
26:14 Chapter 6: Pursuing Alignment with Clients
32:05 Chapter 7: Letting Go of Good People
45:07 Chapter 8: Prioritizing Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout
49:49 Chapter 9: No One Will Care as Much as You
53:04 Chapter 10: Embracing the Journey of Building a Business