By Shane Reeves, CEO TwelveStone Health Partners
As I consider my journey as an entrepreneur, beginning at the age of 26, I’m reminded that success is never a straight line. For most of us it is a series of high peaks, low valley’s, wins that keep you driving forward and setbacks that shape the type of person you’ll ultimately become.
Some lessons I’ve had to learn the hard way. Others came through grace, mentorship and the sheer grit of simply showing up. Whether you are a founder, a clinician or a leader in your own right, there are five lessons that have served as a North Star for me that may have benefit to guide, ground and grow you as you pursue your calling both personally and professionally.
- Resilience is the Real Superpower
Success rarely happens overnight or without significant trials. The ability to bounce back from failure, push through uncertainty and pivot when plans get derailed is what separates an entrepreneur from a dreamer. In my own experience, resilience is not just about toughness, but more so it’s about adaptation. The journey will stretch you. But that same journey, with all its challenges is what builds depth and staying power. A statement often attributed to Friedrich Nietzsche, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger” contains some real wisdom.
- People are Your Greatest Investment
If you are blessed, you’ll hire some amazing people along the way. Hiring the right people with the right skills and talents is the engine but character is the fuel. You need both, especially in your leaders. Building a culture rooted in trust, purpose and accountability matters more than any pitch deck or product launch. When the team thrives, the business thrives.
- Cash Flow is King—Always
Big ideas or Big Harry Audacious Goals can be inspiring, but I’ve felt the sting of cash flow missteps more than once. Numbers matter; margins matter more. The bottom-line—no money no mission. I’ve learned the hard way to respect the financials, asking tough questions and working hard to never confuse top-line revenue with sustainable, scalable growth. Growth with no discipline can become its own trap if not managed carefully.
- Clarity Beats Complexity—Every Time
Experience has taught me that simplicity scales best. Whether in terms of strategy and decision making or internal communications—clarity creates alignment which is necessary to ensure that everyone is rowing in the same direction. Complexity on the other hand, breeds confusion and stalls forward momentum. If you can’t explain your offering clearly and simply you likely are not solving the underlying problem. Great businesses are built on simple ideas, like patients should come first in healthcare delivery.
- Your Identity Should Not Be Tied to Your Business
Earlier in my career, my self-worth rose and fell with the business. But, overtime, I’ve learned to separate who I am from what I do. That shift has brought me freedom and ultimately made me a better leader. Businesses change, careers change but as an individual we continue to grow with every experience both good and bad. Perspective is what creates the longevity to lead through both seasons of breakthrough and rebuilding.
As the world, once again transforms into spring and then summer, may each of you embrace your own season of growth, with grace, grit and a deep sense of purpose.
Be blessed!
