Over recent months, I’ve spoken with founders and senior leaders across research, insights, and ResTech about the mindset changes that reshaped their companies.
What struck me wasn’t technology or funding – it was how a shift in thinking unlocked growth.
1) From Perfection to Iteration
One ResTech founder used to delay every product release until it felt flawless. Today, they treat launches as live experiments – releasing sooner, capturing feedback, and refining quickly.
Lesson ➜ In fast-moving ResTech, speed to market and real-time learning outweigh a perfect first draft.
2) From Comparison to Core Strength
A research agency leader confessed that constant benchmarking against bigger, better-funded competitors drained their focus. Their turning point came when they doubled down on what their team uniquely delivers and ignored the noise.
Lesson ➜ Your competitive edge isn’t in chasing others’ playbooks – it’s in sharpening your own.
3) From Snap Decisions to Deep Listening
A CEO in a hybrid research/technology firm shared how they once raced to conclusions. Pausing to understand the context behind a colleague’s behaviour transformed their leadership style and team culture.
Lesson ➜ Innovation depends on listening as much as on acting.
4) From Endless Growth to Resilience
Another senior figure described a venture that looked great on paper but lacked a durable foundation. Their new model is leaner and built for stability – and ironically, is growing faster.
Lesson ➜ Sustainable beats spectacular. A strong culture and steady cash flow matter more than headline metrics.
5) From “All the Answers” to Shared Ownership
Several leaders spoke about dropping the pressure to be the know-it-all. By sharing key challenges and financial data with investors and teams, they uncovered ideas they’d never have generated alone.
Lesson ➜ Collective intelligence trumps solo heroics every time.
6) From Panic to Perspective
One insights platform founder admitted that early hiccups drove them to their knees. A fellow entrepreneur suggested tracking mood with a 90-day rolling average – and it turned out to be brilliant.
Lesson ➜ Zoom out. Neither wins nor losses are as final as they feel in the moment.
These conversations reminded me that the most successful leaders aren’t the ones who never change their minds – they’re the ones brave enough to change them when it matters most.
What’s been your biggest leadership shift?
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