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’m always hesitant to give “silver bullet” tips as they rarely live up to the hype! I think everyone has to figure out what works well for their own daily rhythms and preferences. What I can tell you is what works for me: adequate sleep is imperative, 30 min quiet time at the start of the day to include a coffee and to skim email to see if anything urgent popped up overnight; being organized helps me a great deal with efficiency and managing stress levels, spacing out meetings (I am naturally quite introverted, and I get run down and energy-depleted when I put myself through back to back meetings for the entire day), some amount of ‘connected time’ with family, fresh air/exercise. I can’t guarantee these will ensure success, but I can tell you that for me, success would not be possible without them. I think the most important thing is to listen to your own body and mind and create a structure that honors your energy, needs, and natural circadian rhythm.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
When I look back to my teenage years, more than entrepreneurship explicitly, I recognize my lack of interest in being told what to do and how to do it. I flourished and found myself energized when I took initiative and operated under my own accord and motivation. I found that too much structure demoralized and bored me … I naturally like to solve problems, and taking an orthodox approach to this was rarely rewarding to me.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
I am most productive first thing in the morning and at night. The afternoon is probably my most challenging time to stay focused.
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?
I think there are many, some of which include: appetite for risk, confidence, tenacity/grit/perseverance, creativity, energy, drive to succeed, self-motivation, competitiveness, fearlessness, vision, not fearing failure, passion, healthy ego, ability to embrace ambiguity and tolerate emotional rollercoasters … I would also add that self-awareness and empathy may not be required to be an entrepreneur, they are absolutely required to be a successful leader.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
I have reflected on this question quite a bit over the years as I’m often asked. The honest answer is I never thought of myself specifically as a woman in business. I was raised by two professional parents, both with advanced degrees and both high-achieving in their fields. I did well in maths and sciences at school, both areas that had fewer women, and was one of only a handful of women in my MBA class. I suppose I was just always used to competing with both women and men, so I never specifically thought of myself as a woman in a male-dominated business. For me, the answer is that business provided huge opportunities that excited and challenged me. Was it always fair? No, but candidly, life isn’t fair. Were there discrimination, bias, and/or challenges because I was a woman? Probably, I just never chose to dwell on that and instead focused on how to maneuver around them and capitalize on my strengths. The last thing that will benefit women, or anyone for that matter is taking a position of being a victim. Do we need to hold people accountable for bad behavior, including discrimination or bias? Absolutely, but I would rather be part of the proactive change rather than dwelling on the challenges or unfair adversity. Feelings of entitlement, demanding subsidies, or claiming victimhood rarely feel rewarding or drive positive change and certainly won’t improve the path for people following in our footsteps.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
Both of my sons successfully launched, living happy, healthy, productive lives and pursuing all of their dreams!
Who is your biggest influence and why?
My parents, unquestionably. Both of my parents grew up in poor, working-class families in England (but close-knit families and lots of love!). In their early twenties, they moved to Africa to begin teaching professions, an extraordinarily courageous and daring move, particularly given the time. After a decade of working there and pursuing their undergraduate degrees, they moved the family to Canada and again worked full-time and completed graduate degrees. They are both extraordinary role models; their energy, courage, discipline, the pursuit of self-improvement and education, and dedication to improving their lives and those of their children were pivotal for both my sister and me.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
I can’t pick just one … Madam C.J. Walker, Coco Chanel, Estee Lauder, Oprah Winfrey. Honestly, I meet female entrepreneurs every single day that inspire me.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
Stop worrying about what anyone else thinks of or about you … chances are they’re not, and even if they are, it’s none of your business.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
Why?
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
I have one older sister, and she is a Superintendent of Education, overseeing all at-risk children and children with special needs in the school district. I believe entrepreneurialism is more a state of mind rather than a career. Although she works in a more structured environment, she is quite entrepreneurial in how she approaches problem-solving and builds creative solutions.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
Probably both.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Willow Growth Partners Founder & Managing partner Malibu, CA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debenton/ website: https://willowgrowth.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/willow-growth-partners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowgrowth/