EDITORS QUESTION

One of the most important skills to focus on for business executives is resilience – particularly for those who aspire to start their own business. My partner Luke and I experienced firsthand the importance of resilience while securing funding for our start-up. The funding round was a pivotal moment, often shaping how the corporate world views your business. For us, the journey was especially challenging. We launched our outreach during an economic downturn, right as the tech bubble burst and Silicon Valley Bank collapsed. With valuations dropping and investors becoming more cautious, we, as first-time founders seeking Series A funding, had to overcome significant obstacles – compounded by an increasingly rigorous due diligence process. Despite the odds, we remained determined and hopeful.

On a personal level, Luke and I were navigating a difficult fertility journey while also balancing the pressure of presenting our best selves to potential investors. The emotional toll

AMBITION MOTIVATES EXECUTIVES TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES, WHETHER THEY ARE MARKET DOWNTURNS, PERSONAL STRUGGLES OR THE PRESSURE OF COMPETING IN A CROWDED FIELD. was immense. We faced numerous rejections, in part because we didn’ t have the traditional credentials – neither of us attended Oxbridge nor worked at a FANG company, which put us at a disadvantage from the start. Additionally, I had the added stress of deciding when to disclose my pregnancy to investors – an issue that still presents challenges for pregnant founders today.

Through it all, we learned the power of perseverance in the face of rejection, a crucial skill for any business leader. There will be times for business executives when their personal and professional lives overlap and being able to navigate both effectively is vital for any business leader. Despite some of the setbacks and challenges we faced in our journey, Luke and I remained committed to our vision and each other, and I’ m incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the last few years. In 2023 alone, we raised £ 5 million, welcomed a baby and moved houses – all at once. It was our ambition that bore the fruit of our determination and hard work.

Ambition is also another essential skill for the next generation of business executives. It fuels the drive to achieve, pushes individuals to pursue goals and helps them to stay focused on long-term success. For emerging leaders, ambition isn’ t just about wanting to climb the corporate ladder – it’ s about having the vision and determination to create innovative solutions and take calculated risks that can transform industries. Ambition motivates executives to overcome obstacles, whether they are market downturns, personal struggles or the pressure of competing in a crowded field. Combined with resilience, multitasking and the ability to keep moving forward despite setbacks – these are the skills that will help executives thrive in the business environment.

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