Biggest Challenges Faced By A CEO At Cleantech Inc.
Sean, the Owner/CEO of Cleantech Inc., initially identifies youth as the biggest challenge, facing skepticism due to being a "young entrepreneur," however this motivates them and has largely been overcome with the company's success; Sean states now if someone gives any sense of doubt they "can kind of just put our resume in their face". Sean expresses immense gratitude for the competent leadership team, crediting them with alleviating the immense stress previously experienced in the role.
Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Company Growth, Client Relations
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sean Meer
Owner, CEO
Cleantech Inc.
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Finance
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Real Estate
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Challenge of youth: Being a young entrepreneur presents a unique challenge of not being taken seriously, but also serves as motivation.
2. Importance of strong leadership: The speaker expresses gratitude for the strong leadership within their company, which significantly reduces their stress and workload.
3. Building credibility through clients: Overcoming the perception of being too young by showcasing the impressive list of major brands (tech, defense, automotive, and universities) that Cleantech Inc. works with.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your role?
My biggest challenge in my role is my youth. It's both a blessing and a curse. Being a young entrepreneur can work for me, as people sometimes think it's cool that someone in their twenties is leading a company.
However, other people say things like, "Good for you, buddy." I get that a lot, but they might also imply I'm not ready for this type of work. So, I might not be taken as seriously in that sense.
Because of that, it's actually given me motivation. It's hardly a challenge. I'm really grateful for the leadership at my company; they're so good at what they do. I feel like the richest person in the world because I don't have the immense stress I used to.
If you asked me this question a couple of years ago, I would have said something different. I would have mentioned working 25-hour days, from 8 AM to 9 AM the next day, which was challenging. But I don't have to do that anymore.
I think it's probably that I just don't have enough time in the game yet. People are learning about how great our company is, and we're working with really great brands. Some of the biggest brands in the world work with us, including major tech companies and the biggest defense company in the world.
The University of Southern California, Lexus, and other big companies work with us. So now, if someone implies I'm too young, I can show them our resume and say, "Okay, well, you're a little stupid." I would never actually say that; I take pride in being kind. But that's something that irks me a little bit. So, probably my youth, but that's also a blessing.