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?
My first reaction is to say that success is not dependent on my daily routine, but I am an extremely organized person, so saying that would likely be disingenuous. I think what I mean is that I definitely have a daily routine, but I don’t think that has much to do with my success.
There are very unstructured people who have been extremely successful, so I’m not sure it is required to have a daily routine in order to be successful.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
Throughout my life, I have always tried to get new things going. I tried to start a radio station at my high school (we couldn’t get the right permits). I started various food and clothing drives for charities.
In my mid-twenties, I started a little company with a few friends. It wasn’t super successful, and I learned a lot about founder dynamics with that company, but I’ve always been starting things.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
I’m definitely most productive in the morning. I like to get going on checking things off my list as soon as possible. By the time the evening comes, I’m often overwhelmed that there are a million things still on my list, and they aren’t going to get checked off until the next day.
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?
My view is that my success is due to two main traits: 1) perseverance and 2) being comfortable with discomfort.
For perseverance – I have always been willing to work extremely hard. My husband (and co-founder) and I have always said, “We may make this succeed, but we are likely going to have to do it the hardest way possible.” But…we were willing to work hard if it meant we could achieve our goals.
For comfort with discomfort – being an entrepreneur means I was forging a new path. Going someplace no one else has gone means having faith that it would work out eventually. It can be very scary to be in the midst of something and not know if the most recent choice was the right decision. A lot of people aren’t willing to sit in that uncomfortable place and I think that’s required to do something new successfully.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
It has mostly impacted me negatively, but that made me more inspired to fight through the negative moments.
There was a time in my early career where I didn’t take my dream job because I was fairly convinced my future boss was going to sexually harass me. How many men can say that?
When raising venture capital, I definitely saw how some potential investors’ faces changed the moment they saw me – this had nothing to do with my business or my pitch. Before they knew anything about the business, they had already written me off. That was tough.
But I made it through all of that.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
My goal is more for the world than for me. I hope the world becomes less divided by 2030. I don’t know how we will get there, though.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
My husband is my biggest influence. Where I am structured and a bit worried about the future, he’s able to dream big and see tons of potential. We are perfect together in that way – he can start the ball rolling with some big, bold idea. Then I make that idea even better. We continue to build on each other’s thoughts and are able to craft something amazing. And then I’m usually the one who makes sure that vision becomes a reality.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
Tracy Young is amazing. She created a technology company in the construction space that ended up being acquired by Autodesk. I can’t imagine a tougher environment to work in.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
“Give credit and take responsibility.” Following this credo makes everything more efficient. If something goes wrong – I know right away I need to own it and move forward. If something goes right, I know that making sure others feel the glow of success will only make people want to be part of what I am doing in the future.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
“How do you manage your board?” There are so many politics around board members – what they are expecting, what they need to know, how they can help you, how they can make your life more difficult. It’s critical to understand how to manage all of that.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
My brother owns his own psychology practice. It’s not the same as doing a venture startup, but it’s definitely super stressful and hard.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I think it is something you are born with. I have encountered so many people who say “I am going to do a startup,” and then when the opportunity arises, even just to join a startup, they decide they don’t want to take the risk. Maybe people can learn to be less risk averse, but I think as we get older, we often become more risk averse, so it seems likely this is something that is innate in someone.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA CEO / Board Director / Business Leader with Multiple Exits / Cybersecurity Expert website: http://www.silvertailsystems.com Blog: http://www.silvertailsystems.com/buzz/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mather/