Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
I think different methods work for different personality types, and it helps to experiment to find the right approach. I am a single working mom and very involved in my daughter’s life, and also very committed to my career, so planning is essential. Depending on what is going on, my weekly routines vary a bit, but every Sunday night, I have a detailed plan for the coming week. I’m very disciplined about blocking off time for things that are high priority (for both work and family) and then basically running around like a nut jamming all the other things into the schedule. I’m pretty efficient, so typically, the whole To-Do list gets done, but by Friday, I’m ready for a glass of wine.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
Yes, I have always been entrepreneurial, although a lot of my career has been spent in key roles in Fortune 100 companies. My entrepreneurial spirit serves me very well when there are new big problems and opportunities to conquer, I like thinking creatively and coming up with innovative solutions. It also has had its downsides when I’ve been in certain corporate roles and expected to follow a prescriptive approach. I spend a lot of time now working with high-growth companies that appreciate risk-takers, creative thinking, and the ability to pivot and evolve strategies to achieve success.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
Morning for sure. I can conquer the world before noon. Late afternoon is better for more routine tasks.
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
Yes, I believe there are several. I don’t know if this classifies technically as a skill– but having insight into consumer behavior is essential. Early in my career, I worked for Scott Cook, who was the CEO of Intuit. He was relentless about consumer research and insight. He always asked What problem are you solving for people? I think a lot of people rush out to start a brand without really thinking through the WHY? To build a business that lasts, you need to be delivering a good or service that someone loves. When I interview new clients, I always ask, “Who loves your product and why?” If they can’t answer that question, I’m not interested in working on their business. In terms of traits and skills, I think tenacity is essential. The truth is, lots of people give up. If you believe in something strongly, you need to be willing to go all in. There are thousands of stories of amazing businesses who had founders who were turned down repeatedly- by everyone, but they kept at it and finally got a break. Being an entrepreneur is not a good career choice for the lazy!
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
This answer will date me a bit, but when I got out of college, it was a lot harder to get a job as a woman. I guess we just accepted that at the time, and I always felt lucky to get a good job and had no problem working twice as hard to prove myself. Now, as a business leader and a mother of a daughter, I obviously believe in an equal playing field, but in those days, I was so focused on achieving I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about obstacles.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
Right now, I’m just trying to get to the end of 2022. LOL. But seriously, I want my daughter to be happily launched into a life that she loves, and I want to enthusiastically embrace this next chapter of my life. I’d like to take my career to the next level, and I would also like to connect with a great life partner and get married.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
I get inspiration every day of my life. I’m fortunate to work with a lot of entrepreneurs who have great visions to change the world. I’m currently doing quite a bit of work in Health and Wellness, and I think the advances in improving the US Healthcare system are exciting. I am also an Adjunct Professor at USC Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism, so am inspired by my students who are ambitious and just starting their careers. I also am incredibly inspired by my daughter and her friends. I love hearing how they look at the world and the changes they want to make, particularly in the realms of inclusivity and the environment. At times, I think they teach me more than I teach them.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
My former boss (The founder of iVillage.com, which was the leading internet site for women– it was the precursor to all social media) has always been a huge inspiration to me. She created a company from scratch that resulted in a $1.B+ IPO, and also had an amazing family life with a fabulous loving husband and absolutely fantastic daughter. She somehow balanced work, her own interests, friends, and a close and devoted family. We just went to her daughter’s wedding last summer, and it was pure joy.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
I don’t know if this qualifies as “formative advice,” but I have always loved the saying, “Never waste a good crisis.” To me, it means that there are a lot of things in life that you can’t control, and sometimes things happen that seem very bad. But often, great things come out of a crisis, you just need to be willing to look and see the possibilities.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
I guess it is the question that I ask myself. Why are you here? What is your purpose?
Staying focused on that question can be uncomfortable, but can also help lead you to better choices and a more fulfilling life.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
My sisters are both teachers, which I think is one of the noblest and most important professions. My brother is in Commercial Real Estate, and while he works for a large firm, his success has really been driven by his entrepreneurial spirit. He has to wake up every day and go out and make it happen.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I think it can be either, and it also can be out of necessity. There have been plenty of great businesses started by people who were fired from their jobs or had to figure out some way to make money to keep food on the table. Necessity is the mother of invention!
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Founder CEO Chief Marketing Officer & Growth Executive Los Angeles, CA website: http://www.grobusinessventures.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kraynak/ email: [email protected]