The path of entrepreneurship is rarely a smooth one. The perceptions so commonly held about the excitement of the entrepreneurial life belie a more pragmatic reality for many - days and days of hard, hard work, hopefully punctuated by pockets of success. As entrepreneurs, we need to ensure that in the drive to achieve, to win in business and become the successful entrepreneur - the narrative portrayed in the media and a multitude of business - we don't just define ourselves and critically, our self-worth, solely by professional success.
Why? Because on those days, weeks or months that we may not win, what does that narrow self-definition then deliver to us in return? It paradoxically works against us, telling us we are worth less as individuals, because of a temporary professional bump or failure. - the antithesis to what we need in our character to push on as entrepreneurs.
This week, The New P&L speaks to former self-described female Jerry Maguire and hugely successful entrepreneur, Sue Izzo. Sue founded her own sports management agency at 25 and built it into one of the most successful boutique sports management agencies in the US, managing a host of global sports stars and world champions. After being acquired in 2005, Sue went on to establish herself as a brand strategist and consultant, working with entrepreneurs and companies across the world to refine their brand and amplify their story.
But, all that incredible success doesn't tell the full story. So, we discuss with Sue the reality behind the challenges of building an entrepreneurial business; the highs and the lows; the risks of defining yourself just by your professional successes; how you balance determination, drive and the need to allow yourself to breathe in the process; and the importance of building relationships not just resources in business.
To learn more about Sue, go to: www.sueizzo.com