WEBVTT 1 00:00:18.585 --> 00:00:20.765 Hey, it's Rachel Cook, your modern mentor. 2 00:00:21.385 --> 00:00:23.085 I'm the founder of Lead Above Noise, 3 00:00:23.215 --> 00:00:25.405 where we help leaders activate performance 4 00:00:25.465 --> 00:00:29.245 and engagement without burning out, whether it's boot camps, 5 00:00:29.285 --> 00:00:31.845 keynotes, or pulse checks, we design solutions 6 00:00:31.845 --> 00:00:33.005 that drive meaningful change. 7 00:00:33.385 --> 00:00:35.565 If your organization is looking for that kind of change, 8 00:00:35.975 --> 00:00:37.045 reach out anytime. 9 00:00:38.225 --> 00:00:39.845 So it's a brand new year. 10 00:00:40.105 --> 00:00:42.285 The season of fresh starts, ambitious goals, 11 00:00:42.345 --> 00:00:45.485 and new calendars with no missed deadlines yet. 12 00:00:46.465 --> 00:00:48.905 I love the energy that comes with flipping to a new year. 13 00:00:49.665 --> 00:00:50.985 I think a lot of us feel this way. 14 00:00:51.445 --> 00:00:52.625 We bask in the fresh starts, 15 00:00:53.325 --> 00:00:56.145 and then pretty much without fail, within a few weeks, 16 00:00:56.565 --> 00:00:58.185 the starts to shift. 17 00:00:58.975 --> 00:01:01.035 People start to get caught up in the bumps 18 00:01:01.035 --> 00:01:03.915 and uglies of work, the grind, the boredom, 19 00:01:04.055 --> 00:01:06.475 the disconnection that here we go again. 20 00:01:06.475 --> 00:01:09.595 Feeling and while running my own business isn't perfect, 21 00:01:10.315 --> 00:01:12.035 I think back to my days of being an employee 22 00:01:12.655 --> 00:01:15.315 and I realize how much I've had to shift my mindset. 23 00:01:16.135 --> 00:01:17.745 Mindset when I worked for a company, 24 00:01:18.265 --> 00:01:20.945 I think I spent too much time waiting for the perfect plan 25 00:01:20.945 --> 00:01:24.225 to emerge or the perfect opportunity to fall into my lap. 26 00:01:24.885 --> 00:01:26.825 But that's not how success happens for me. 27 00:01:27.875 --> 00:01:30.615 It happens when we decide to own it to make it happen. 28 00:01:31.035 --> 00:01:33.935 And honestly, that's what entrepreneurs do every day. 29 00:01:35.365 --> 00:01:37.385 So what if we all channeled a little 30 00:01:37.385 --> 00:01:39.025 entrepreneurial energy this year? 31 00:01:39.695 --> 00:01:41.785 What if we approached our careers with the mindset 32 00:01:42.205 --> 00:01:43.745 of an entrepreneur, someone 33 00:01:43.805 --> 00:01:45.705 who owns the business of their own success? 34 00:01:46.445 --> 00:01:49.105 If you're into it, then stick with me today. 35 00:01:49.105 --> 00:01:50.345 I am gonna share five ways 36 00:01:50.345 --> 00:01:52.025 that you can think like an entrepreneur 37 00:01:52.125 --> 00:01:54.705 to make this your most successful year yet. 38 00:01:55.905 --> 00:01:59.215 First, create. Don't wait for opportunity. 39 00:02:00.115 --> 00:02:02.615 You can't run a business just waiting for products 40 00:02:02.615 --> 00:02:04.855 to build themselves or customers to find you. 41 00:02:05.315 --> 00:02:07.335 You gotta pound the pavement, make it happen. 42 00:02:07.835 --> 00:02:09.255 But I talk to people all the time 43 00:02:09.275 --> 00:02:12.375 who in their workplaces are just not satisfied 44 00:02:12.415 --> 00:02:13.775 with what's being handed to them. 45 00:02:14.735 --> 00:02:16.295 I didn't get tapped for the promotion 46 00:02:16.395 --> 00:02:18.655 or I would've been great on that project team, 47 00:02:18.655 --> 00:02:19.855 but I wasn't asked to join. 48 00:02:20.955 --> 00:02:23.175 If this in some form resonates for you, 49 00:02:23.605 --> 00:02:25.375 then let's change the course of this year. 50 00:02:25.995 --> 00:02:27.375 Are you feeling underutilized? 51 00:02:27.935 --> 00:02:29.375 I don't mean are you twiddling thumbs 52 00:02:29.375 --> 00:02:31.535 because everyone is super busy, 53 00:02:31.635 --> 00:02:34.975 but are you being truly utilized, like working on the things 54 00:02:34.975 --> 00:02:36.255 that tap into your potential? 55 00:02:36.875 --> 00:02:38.855 If not, what do you wish you could be doing? 56 00:02:38.855 --> 00:02:40.615 Instead, talk to colleagues 57 00:02:40.635 --> 00:02:43.295 or leaders on teams across the organization about 58 00:02:43.295 --> 00:02:44.335 what they're focused on. 59 00:02:44.875 --> 00:02:46.735 Ask around about projects or committees 60 00:02:46.755 --> 00:02:50.015 or employee resource groups that could use an extra hand, 61 00:02:50.635 --> 00:02:52.735 or even better, start something of your own, 62 00:02:53.325 --> 00:02:55.855 like maybe you've noticed there's a skill gap on your team. 63 00:02:56.265 --> 00:02:58.495 Could you start a learning circle to share knowledge? 64 00:02:58.515 --> 00:03:01.165 Or maybe there's a newer colleague who could use a mentor. 65 00:03:01.935 --> 00:03:04.125 These are all opportunities to show initiative 66 00:03:04.185 --> 00:03:06.965 and build your skills and get noticed for the right reasons. 67 00:03:07.745 --> 00:03:10.595 Go make opportunity happen next, 68 00:03:11.145 --> 00:03:13.635 stop complaining about what's broken and just fix it. 69 00:03:14.455 --> 00:03:18.595 So to be honest, this one came not so naturally to me. 70 00:03:19.355 --> 00:03:21.195 I am pretty good at whining about things, 71 00:03:21.895 --> 00:03:23.035 but when I'm running the show, 72 00:03:23.585 --> 00:03:24.995 it's really just me and my dog. 73 00:03:25.025 --> 00:03:26.235 Ruth, you know what, 74 00:03:26.235 --> 00:03:29.755 Ruth is not great at like fixing literally anything. 75 00:03:30.465 --> 00:03:32.715 Also, she's not good at patiently waiting for her food, 76 00:03:32.735 --> 00:03:35.075 but that is not so relevant to this discussion. 77 00:03:36.215 --> 00:03:38.715 So I've had to become a fixer sort of, 78 00:03:39.055 --> 00:03:40.315 and I'd love you to do the same. 79 00:03:41.295 --> 00:03:42.595 Not so much of printers, 80 00:03:42.655 --> 00:03:45.795 but of processes, of ways of doing and working. 81 00:03:46.585 --> 00:03:48.635 When you see something that is inefficient 82 00:03:48.735 --> 00:03:51.555 or failing to include an important team member's voice 83 00:03:51.935 --> 00:03:53.795 or that's gonna put the company at risk, 84 00:03:54.175 --> 00:03:56.435 or that's just a leadership opportunity, 85 00:03:57.085 --> 00:03:58.195 don't grumble about it. 86 00:03:58.345 --> 00:04:01.525 Take an action instead of pointing fingers. 87 00:04:01.995 --> 00:04:05.125 Yeah, we've all done that. Try suggesting a solution. 88 00:04:05.755 --> 00:04:08.405 Like maybe your weekly team meeting is heavy on updates 89 00:04:08.585 --> 00:04:11.245 and light on dialogue, and it feels like a waste of time. 90 00:04:12.585 --> 00:04:15.235 Suggest to your boss a shift in that balance. 91 00:04:15.605 --> 00:04:17.435 Maybe recommend a topic that you'd like 92 00:04:17.435 --> 00:04:18.635 to have a conversation about. 93 00:04:18.735 --> 00:04:19.915 Or better yet, 94 00:04:20.415 --> 00:04:22.835 ask if you can host the next team meeting just 95 00:04:22.835 --> 00:04:23.955 to give something new a try. 96 00:04:24.805 --> 00:04:26.935 When you are the one offering solutions instead 97 00:04:26.935 --> 00:04:29.015 of complaints, you're not just solving problems 98 00:04:29.035 --> 00:04:31.735 and delivering impact, you're building your reputation 99 00:04:32.155 --> 00:04:33.695 as someone who makes things happen. 100 00:04:38.135 --> 00:04:41.025 Next, prioritize. Like your time is money. 101 00:04:41.375 --> 00:04:44.025 Because for entrepreneurs, it literally is. 102 00:04:44.735 --> 00:04:46.585 Time is their most valuable resource 103 00:04:46.845 --> 00:04:47.865 and they don't waste it. 104 00:04:48.095 --> 00:04:50.225 They're laser focused on what matters most, 105 00:04:50.285 --> 00:04:52.705 and that's a habit we could all stand to adopt. 106 00:04:53.135 --> 00:04:56.225 When entrepreneurs aren't working, they aren't being paid. 107 00:04:57.045 --> 00:04:59.345 So think about how your time gets spent at work. 108 00:04:59.885 --> 00:05:01.825 Do you let the urgent crowd out the important? 109 00:05:02.525 --> 00:05:04.905 Do you say yes to things that don't align with your goals? 110 00:05:04.975 --> 00:05:06.625 Just because you don't wanna disappoint someone, 111 00:05:07.325 --> 00:05:09.745 do you not ask for clarity on which project 112 00:05:09.845 --> 00:05:11.905 or initiative is most important right now? 113 00:05:12.525 --> 00:05:15.345 And then do you spread yourself way too thin across the mall 114 00:05:15.345 --> 00:05:17.345 and complain you're exhausted because you are? 115 00:05:18.255 --> 00:05:20.025 Entrepreneurs don't have that luxury. 116 00:05:20.455 --> 00:05:23.545 They know that every minute spent on the wrong thing is a 117 00:05:23.545 --> 00:05:25.065 minute stolen from what really matters. 118 00:05:25.685 --> 00:05:27.625 So this year, start treating your time like 119 00:05:27.625 --> 00:05:28.705 the precious resource. 120 00:05:28.805 --> 00:05:31.465 It is push for clarity on priorities. 121 00:05:32.005 --> 00:05:33.225 Ask your boss or your team, 122 00:05:33.525 --> 00:05:35.625 what's the one thing we need to nail this week? 123 00:05:36.205 --> 00:05:37.905 And then protect your time fiercely 124 00:05:37.905 --> 00:05:40.225 to make sure you're focused on what matters most. 125 00:05:41.535 --> 00:05:43.625 Next, build partnerships wisely. 126 00:05:43.935 --> 00:05:45.985 Entrepreneurs know they can't do it alone. 127 00:05:46.335 --> 00:05:47.825 They're tiny but mighty, 128 00:05:48.165 --> 00:05:50.105 so they build communities to support them. 129 00:05:50.525 --> 00:05:51.705 And the same is true at work. 130 00:05:52.135 --> 00:05:53.705 Success doesn't happen in a vacuum. 131 00:05:54.255 --> 00:05:55.585 It's powered by relationships. 132 00:05:56.195 --> 00:05:57.925 Think about who you need in your corner. 133 00:05:58.255 --> 00:06:01.125 Maybe it's a mentor who can help you grow, a colleague 134 00:06:01.125 --> 00:06:02.125 who pushes your thinking 135 00:06:02.465 --> 00:06:04.125 or someone in another department 136 00:06:04.145 --> 00:06:05.565 who can give you a fresh perspective. 137 00:06:06.565 --> 00:06:08.005 Building your network within your company 138 00:06:08.145 --> 00:06:11.085 and even across your industry doesn't just make work more 139 00:06:11.105 --> 00:06:12.525 fun though it does that, 140 00:06:12.985 --> 00:06:14.765 but it's also a great way to share wisdom 141 00:06:14.985 --> 00:06:17.605 and uncover opportunities to lift each other up 142 00:06:18.265 --> 00:06:20.525 and finally learn to apply. 143 00:06:21.025 --> 00:06:24.285 Not to certify. Entrepreneurs do a lot of learning, 144 00:06:24.785 --> 00:06:28.005 but not generally in service of collecting certifications. 145 00:06:28.065 --> 00:06:29.125 To post them on LinkedIn. 146 00:06:29.435 --> 00:06:31.005 They learn the skills they need in the moment 147 00:06:31.305 --> 00:06:34.965 and apply them immediately to solving problems, to innovate 148 00:06:34.985 --> 00:06:36.125 or to build something new. 149 00:06:36.945 --> 00:06:38.765 And honestly, I think we could do more 150 00:06:38.765 --> 00:06:39.805 of this in the workplace. 151 00:06:40.725 --> 00:06:43.175 Instead of tracing credentials, ask yourself, 152 00:06:43.435 --> 00:06:46.415 what's the one skill that would propel me forward right now? 153 00:06:47.185 --> 00:06:50.135 Maybe it's mastering a new software to streamline your work 154 00:06:50.675 --> 00:06:52.375 or improving your presentation skills 155 00:06:52.435 --> 00:06:54.575 so you can share your ideas more effectively 156 00:06:54.575 --> 00:06:56.935 and persuasively whatever it is. 157 00:06:57.225 --> 00:06:58.815 Focus on learning it by doing 158 00:06:59.275 --> 00:07:01.615 and apply your skills to a real world challenge 159 00:07:02.075 --> 00:07:04.655 to build not just knowledge, but also confidence. 160 00:07:05.275 --> 00:07:07.095 And there you have it. Five ways 161 00:07:07.095 --> 00:07:08.615 to channel your inner entrepreneur 162 00:07:08.615 --> 00:07:10.495 and create your own success this year. 163 00:07:11.355 --> 00:07:12.565 Find your own opportunities. 164 00:07:12.985 --> 00:07:16.845 Fix what's broken, prioritize your time and build community, 165 00:07:17.345 --> 00:07:19.205 and certainly focus on learning what matters. 166 00:07:20.305 --> 00:07:21.645 If you're ready to take action 167 00:07:21.665 --> 00:07:22.685 but could use some support, 168 00:07:22.975 --> 00:07:24.805 maybe your team could use a jumpstart. 169 00:07:25.255 --> 00:07:28.245 Reach out to me at rachel@leadabovenoise.com. 170 00:07:28.595 --> 00:07:31.045 Whether it's an activation bootcamp, a keynote 171 00:07:31.145 --> 00:07:33.565 or a pulse check will create the momentum you need 172 00:07:33.565 --> 00:07:34.805 to make this year your best. 173 00:07:35.475 --> 00:07:37.445 Join me this week for another great episode. 174 00:07:37.735 --> 00:07:40.445 Until then, visit my website@leadabovenoise.com. 175 00:07:41.145 --> 00:07:43.445 You can follow Modern Mentor on Apple Podcasts, 176 00:07:43.445 --> 00:07:45.005 Spotify, or wherever you listen. 177 00:07:45.625 --> 00:07:48.565 Thanks so much for tuning in and have a successful week. 178 00:07:49.265 --> 00:07:51.365 Modern Mentor is a quick and Dirty Tips podcast. 179 00:07:51.955 --> 00:07:53.805 It's audio engineered by Dan und. 180 00:07:54.185 --> 00:07:56.405 Our director of podcasts is Brandon Getches. 181 00:07:56.745 --> 00:07:59.045 Our podcast and advertising operations specialist 182 00:07:59.065 --> 00:08:00.205 is Morgan Christensen. 183 00:08:00.665 --> 00:08:03.005 Our digital operations specialist is Holly Hutchings. 184 00:08:03.385 --> 00:08:05.965 Our marketing and publicity associate is Dina Tomlin, 185 00:08:06.305 --> 00:08:08.645 and our marketing contractor is Nathaniel Hoops.