Significant Career Lesson From A Cofounder At Pencil Energy
A significant career lesson learned by Kyle, Cofounder at Pencil Energy, is the importance of "ask for forgiveness, not permission," particularly valuable in American business culture. This approach, involving proactive action and follow-through, has proven far more effective than passively waiting for approvals, a lesson learned from prior experience as an auditor and now integral to success as a founder.
Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Proactive Approach, Decision-Making, Risk-Taking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kyle Brauer
Cofounder
Pencil Energy
UCLA - 2017
UCLA Anderson FEMBA, 2023 - MBA Degree
Political Science, American Studies
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Energy & Utilities
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. "Ask for forgiveness, not permission." Kyle highlights the importance of taking initiative and acting decisively, rather than waiting for approvals, especially in entrepreneurial settings.
2. Building momentum: Kyle's experience shows that taking action and delivering results is key to attracting attention, support, and collaboration.
3. Differentiating through action: In a crowded field, actively pursuing goals and following through on commitments is a powerful way to stand out and make an impact, according to Kyle's experience.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you've learned that's proven significant in your career?
One lesson is, it sounds very tried and true, or I guess kind of old-fashioned, but the "ask for forgiveness versus ask for permission" approach is pretty real, at least in America. I spent a lot of time being accommodating and waiting around for things as an auditor, and that didn't necessarily help me.
I had to unlearn a lot of that, especially as a founder. What I've realized is that to get noticed, to make an impact, and to create interest in whatever you're doing in any situation, going out and doing the thing and following through with what you say you're going to do is the easiest way to differentiate yourself.
It's actually shocking how many people are waiting for someone else to do something, and then they will happily join in. So, in a nutshell, don't be afraid to go out and act. For founders, that's the bread and butter. I hope that's helpful.