Biggest Challenges Faced by a CEO and Co Founder at Wild One
Bill's biggest challenge as CEO & Co-Founder of Wild One is maintaining a balance between "optimistic and pessimistic" perspectives when evaluating opportunities; this requires simultaneously assessing risks and embracing ambitious goals, ultimately committing to a path and executing it successfully.
Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Achieving Goals, Risk Management, Decision-Making
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Bill Wells
CEO & Co-Founder
Wild One
University of Pennsylvania
UCLA Anderson MBA
Economics
Apparel, Beauty, Retail & Fashion, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Balancing optimism and pessimism in evaluating opportunities and managing risks is crucial for success.
2. A successful leader needs to be both the devil's advocate and the front runner, constantly assessing risks and opportunities.
3. Commitment and decisive action are necessary to overcome challenges and achieve goals.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
There are a few things. One that comes to mind, paradoxically, is that you have to be both optimistic and pessimistic at the same time.
When you're evaluating an opportunity, let's say it's a big sale to a retailer, and you're not set up to handle it, there are risks involved with manufacturing or timelines. You have to think about it from both sides.
What are the risks involved, and what do you need to make sure happens to accomplish this? Then, on the other side, you have to be very bullish and optimistic. We can make this a stretch goal; we can accomplish this and push the envelope to get it done.
If you're always too pessimistic, you'll be too risk-averse and conservative and won't grow or get anything done. If you're too optimistic and always taking risks, you'll get into trouble.
It's interesting having to be both your devil's advocate and the front-runner at the same time. Ultimately, you have to commit to a path, move forward, and make it happen.