I spent this past week in Bogota alongside our Director of Product, Sebastian Roncancio.
Sebastian is in a great spot to shine in his new role, but he has some serious work ahead of him to ensure he can do his job really well.
That’s a challenge I know is poised to face!
Fountain Forward has made a major transformation over the past year, and we’re at the point where we have all the necessary chess pieces; we just have to play some great, clear minded chess.
As of right now, we’re playing some great games and some terrible games. While we’re not in a “single elimination” business, we have to play like it’s single elimination.
That leads me to my next pivotal conversation of the week…
On Saturday, I happened to run into my business partner, Chris, at the golf course. After a little golf practice, we caught up on the putting green. The topic went right to our current “Achilles heel” and what we are going to do about it.
I very much appreciate that we both go directly towards our issues and take action.
By taking action, we’ve learned a lot of ways NOT to do it. Taking action, even if we end up being wrong, is paramount.
Ready, Shoot, Aim… If you will.
This brings me to my focus for this week.
First, quelling the emotions of the team.
We’re on a roller coaster right now, and it’s a high risk, high reward game we’re playing. When we get big wins and then big losses all at the same time, it messes with people’s heads.
Before you take action, take a deep breath. That’s what I’ve been pushing for. This is what I’ve been practicing. It’s never easy, but do your absolute best to breathe and center yourself before acting.
Second, a week with my Sales Director, Brian.
We have to hold the line and provide fuel to this machine we’ve created. No matter what our churn rate is, we have to hit our sales goals.
Brian is a great member of the Fountain Forward team. He helps in ways that I couldn’t have imagined before we started. With that said, we as a sales team have a much higher ceiling, and we’re dedicated to hitting that ceiling (then raising it).
I have to be better to get Brian to his next level. I’m ready to be a better leader for him. I feel like the timing of this week together is literally perfect.
Just as the universe wanted.
I received a dope presentation from him on Thursday this past week, which really impressed me.
It’s very important for me to look for the light in individuals when I’m starting to see mostly darkness (through my fear-based reality structure). This was a great time to do that.
I’m feeling much better than I was at the beginning of last week. Feeling focused on accomplishing some key goals going into Thanksgiving, where I’ll be taking some time off with my wonderful girlfriend, Elizabeth.
This week, I have to put some key things in motion so we hit the ground running in December. I’m very confident I’ll get those things going.
I’ll do my absolute best this week, and I urge you to do the same. Let’s focus on that process instead of the outcome.
Chin up, shoulders back.
– SJ