Summary of Doug Mitchell’s leadership interview
- Leadership Mentor/Role Model: Chip Doran, CEO of a medical center. Chip took responsibility for the hospital’s issues with Medicare, whereas others deflected blame. Doug found this level of accountability remarkable.
- Surprise About Leadership Role: The need to adapt leadership styles as the company grows. Different stages of business require different approaches to leadership.
- Biggest Leadership Lesson Learned: The importance of letting people go when necessary, as tough as it can be.
- Best Leadership Decision: Doug mentioned uncertainty in identifying his best leadership decision but noted that there have been many significant decisions along the way.
- Worst Business Decision: Taking out a loan to capitalize the business and distribute to shareholders. This decision led to debt that the company was not ready to handle.
- Excitement About the Future of the Company: Doug is excited about tackling the challenges and changes ahead. The process of identifying problems and solving them is motivating.
- Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Consider the commitment carefully. While entrepreneurship provides freedom, it also involves a lot of hard work.