EP:27 From Doer to Leader: The Value of Hands-On Experience

Sparking Success with Aaron Opalewski

Stefan Joens, President and CEO of Elnik Systems, shares his experience of moving his company from New Jersey to North Carolina. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned during the transition, including the importance of adaptability and the art of the pivot. Stefan emphasizes the value of being a doer before becoming a leader and the significance of asking good questions as a leader. He also highlights the benefits of choosing Charlotte, North Carolina as the new location for his business, citing the city's growth, affordability, and business-friendly environment. Stefan shares four life lessons he has learned: getting alignment, finding your fuel source, embracing the art of the pivot, and saying yes. He emphasizes the importance of aligning your interests and skills with your career path. Stefan also discusses the significance of finding your fuel source, which motivates and drives you to overcome challenges. He shares personal experiences of facing setbacks and using them as fuel to prove others wrong. Stefan highlights the importance of being open to new opportunities and saying yes to challenges, even if you don't have all the answers. Lastly, he emphasizes the power of caring for others and providing exceptional service as a way to build strong customer relationships.

Takeaways

Adaptability and the ability to pivot are crucial in navigating business transitions.

Being a doer before becoming a leader allows for a better understanding of the tasks and challenges faced by the team.

Asking good questions as a leader helps guide and support the team in problem-solving.

Choosing a location for a business should consider factors such as growth, affordability, and a business-friendly environment. Get alignment by identifying your interests and skills and aligning them with your career path.

Find your fuel source, something that motivates and drives you to overcome challenges.

Embrace the art of the pivot and be open to new opportunities and challenges.

Say yes to new roles and responsibilities, even if you don't have all the answers.

Caring for others and providing exceptional service is key to building strong customer relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Travel Challenges

03:19 Stefan's Background and Relationship with Aaron

06:15 Transitioning Elnik Systems to North Carolina

09:05 Lessons in Leadership and the Art of the Pivot

12:10 Adaptability and the Importance of Asking Good Questions

23:29 Navigating the Transition from Doer to Leader

26:29 Discovering Your Fuel Source

28:19 Embracing the Art of the Pivot

36:07 Caring for Others