As I begin working in my new role as CEO of Xennial Innovations, I want to reflect on how I arrived here and what being the CEO of a company really means. It's not just a title—it's a responsibility. It's undoubtedly a privilege, and most definitely a reflection of the incredible people I've worked with along the way. But leadership isn't just about reaching the top—it's about continuously making a difference at every stage. There's no perfect roadmap to leadership. No two paths look the same. It's built through experience and a willingness to take on challenges others might shy away from. If there's one thing I've learned, leadership isn't given—it's earned through action. It's earned by how you show up for your team, the impact you create in your organization, and the people working there.

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For anyone aspiring to leadership roles—whether advancing in your current company or becoming a more effective leader in your daily life—here are some insights I'll share that could help you during your journey.

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My Journey to Leadership

Before stepping into this role, I worked in various positions—building entry-level solutions, leading projects, and driving operational success across the companies I worked for. A pivotal moment that shaped my leadership philosophy—and ultimately paved the way to this role—was the development of an AI-driven project management solution at Xennial.

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Creating this solution wasn't a solo endeavor. The concept arose organically from collaborative brainstorming sessions with the team. We shared a common frustration with existing project management tools we'd been using: they lacked the intelligence to keep pace with the demands of modern teams. We recognized a significant market gap for a truly AI-powered solution that could manage tasks and timelines, proactively analyze data, predict roadblocks, and suggest solutions. My role was to synthesize these collective insights from the team and guide the project to market.

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This experience solidified several key principles essential to my leadership and could benefit others looking at shaping their own leadership styles. First, the power of collaborative vision. The product we were making at Xenial wasn't conceived from the top-down; it was born from the diverse perspectives of the entire team. My job was facilitating that collaboration, ensuring everyone felt empowered to contribute and that their ideas were heard. Second, the importance of strategic execution. Turning a vision into reality requires more than just good ideas; it demands meticulous planning, resource allocation, and risk management. Finally, the value of embracing uncertainty. Building something new in the AI space requires a willingness to step into the unknown. This experience taught me that being a leader is as simple as empowering others to build something extraordinary together.

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What It Takes to Lead

1. A Problem-Solving Mindset

At its core, leadership is about solving problems. I've always believed that it's about digging in and figuring out how to make things work better, whether that means streamlining a process or just finding a more efficient way to do something. I'm not someone who avoids the hard stuff, but I actually find myself drawn to it. My experience across consulting, technology, and business strategy has really shaped that approach, giving me the tools to tackle problems head-on and find real solutions.

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2. Embracing Risk

Being a leader has definitely taught me that tough calls are part of the job, and you rarely have a crystal ball to see how things will play out. Risk is always there. I've learned that it's not about avoiding failure – that's just not realistic. It's about managing risk smartly and being willing to change direction quickly. Honestly, I've come to believe that "failing fast" is a good thing. The sooner you realize something isn't working, the sooner you can try something else.

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3. Building the Right Team

One thing I know for sure is that no CEO succeeds alone. I've been incredibly lucky to work with some truly amazing people. I'm thinking of folks like Maurice Yu and Sal Pece, who bring so much technical expertise to the table, and our incredible AI team, who are constantly pushing the limits of what's possible. For me, building a strong, talented team has been absolutely essential. These are the people who challenge me, fill in the gaps in my own skill set, and ultimately help turn our ideas into reality. Look for people like this and your path to leadership will be assured!

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4. Balancing Strategy and Execution

In my experience, some leaders are great visionaries, but they struggle with the execution. Others are execution rockstars, but they lack the strategic foresight. A leader needs to be both. You have to be able to articulate a clear vision and make sure the daily grind aligns with the company's long-term goals. It's about results. Big ideas are meaningless if you can't deliver.

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5. Staying Resilient

One of the things I've learned about leadership is that it's not always easy. There are setbacks, rejections, and tough decisions where there's no clear right or wrong. But I've also learned that resilience is key. Challenges are a given; how you react to them shapes who you are as a leader.

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Looking Ahead

If you're aiming for leadership, my advice is simple: focus on making a difference, not just climbing the ladder. Be relentless in solving problems, and build a strong team around you. Being a leader isn't about the title; it's about the responsibility, the vision, and driving real change. Stay curious, take calculated risks, and never stop learning. The journey itself is where the real growth happens!