Tell us about yourself?
GenX’er that after 3 decades of personal learning and growth, I have the vision and plans to be successful on my own terms. Xgen ONE is only one of a handful that is in my portfolio.
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
That the initial idea will be the final product or business. Be prepared to adapt, change, pivot, and understand why!
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
Follow your heart, believe your hype, keep the ego in check, and don’t be distracted.
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
Age/experience / multidisciplined across multiple industries – from ideation to brand creation, business modelling to UI/ UX, engineering, marketing, and roadmap of the future.
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
Don’t be fooled by 9-5, your body and mind will guide you.
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
For the GenX (hence Xgen.ONE) and perhaps some of the boomers on the cusp that spent decades building their music collection, only to have it managed by a tech company, not an Entertainment company
Where do you see your business in five years?
5 years? Let’s see about 2 years first! Technology is evolving at a great pace, so being at the heart (and soul) of my subscribers’ home/car/device & entertainment systems.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
The right level of funding to apply the infrastructure required to expand and grow with both consumers and technology
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
Multiple, watching the companies that I have helped/consulted and transformed become more successful and aligned for their next journey
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
Absolutely not, the biggest challenges I had personally were that if I felt that what the client was asking for was out of their reach or no alignment with their business, I would tell them that directly, at the loss of business to the company I would be working for.
Plus, I don’t subscribe to the wine, dine impress a client, I’ll deliver a very succinct and direct plan from next week to next year and beyond, therefore they either want it or not, I don’t accept that they will only sign if I ply them with gratuities and pleasantries.
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Be flexible and truly understand the target audience that your business is going after, and then ask, what and how will my company impact or affect their lives
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
Continuity and peace.
