Business leaders, what's one resource or service that has been instrumental in your personal development?

Question

In the quest for personal development, gaining insights from those who have successfully navigated the business world can be invaluable. CEOs and Founders share their most instrumental resources and services that have shaped their journeys. From leveraging mentorship and peer groups to hiring an executive coach, the article compiles seventeen transformative insights. Discover the first-hand experiences and strategies that could redefine your own path to success.

Justin Smith · Answer

One of the most impactful resources for my personal growth has been mentorship. Having someone give me guidance and keep me accountable made a huge difference, especially in those early days when everything felt chaotic. It's one thing to read books and take courses (which are great), but it's another to have someone in your corner who's been through it and can help you see the bigger picture. Mentors have helped me make clearer decisions and avoid some serious missteps.
But I also think peer groups, like mastermind groups, can't be overlooked. When you're surrounded by people who are on a similar path, it really pushes you to level up. It's like having your own personal board of advisors—people who get it and can offer different perspectives.

Andrew Lee Jenkins · Answer

One resource that has been instrumental in my personal development is MasterClass. Its diverse courses, taught by experts across industries—from leadership and negotiation to mindfulness and entrepreneurship—have provided valuable insights beyond traditional business training. I found the lessons on effective communication and emotional intelligence particularly impactful, helping me become a more empathetic and strategic leader.
What makes this resource stand out is its flexibility, allowing me to learn at my own pace while still applying new skills in real-time. Access to perspectives from top professionals has broadened my approach to leadership and personal growth, directly benefiting both my team dynamics and business strategy.

Niclas Schlopsna · Answer

As the CEO of Spectup, I've found that mentorship has been incredibly valuable for my personal development. Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a mentor at N26 who taught me the ins-and-outs of the startup world. This experience was eye-opening and really shaped my approach to business.
Another resource that's been crucial is continuous learning through online courses and workshops. I'm always looking to expand my knowledge, whether it's in innovation management, strategic negotiation, or digital transformation. These courses have helped me stay ahead of the curve in our fast-paced industry.
But if I had to pick just one thing, I'd say networking events have been the most instrumental. They've allowed me to connect with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. These connections have not only helped me grow personally but have also been invaluable for Spectup. I remember attending a startup conference in Berlin where I met a seasoned VC who later became a key advisor for our company.
At Spectup, we encourage our team and the startups we work with to leverage these resources too. We've seen firsthand how mentorship, continuous learning, and networking can accelerate growth and open up new opportunities. It's all about staying curious and being open to new perspectives.

Abid Salahi · Answer

As a tech CEO, I've found LinkedIn Learning to be a cornerstone of my professional growth. This platform offers a variety of courses across different fields, new trends, and technologies. I've found its value unmatched, particularly in refining my leadership skills and understanding emerging tech trends. LinkedIn Learning nurtures my ability to guide my company through this dynamic digital landscape we operate in.

Aseem Jha · Answer

How a Group of Entrepreneurs Enhanced My Entrepreneurial Journey
As the founder, one resource that has been instrumental in my personal development is joining a mastermind group of fellow entrepreneurs.
Early on, I realized that running a business can be isolating, and I craved the support and insights of others who were navigating similar challenges.
In this group, we meet regularly to share experiences, discuss strategies, and hold each other accountable. One specific instance that stands out was when I was struggling to streamline our onboarding process for new hires.
The diverse perspectives of my peers helped me see the problem from different angles, ultimately leading to an innovative approach that significantly improved our retention rates.
This collaborative environment has not only boosted my confidence but also enriched my decision-making skills, reminding me of the power of community in personal growth.

Shehar Yar · Answer

As a business leader at Software House, one resource that has been instrumental in my personal development is executive coaching. Engaging with a professional coach has provided me with tailored insights and feedback on my leadership style, decision-making processes, and strategic thinking. This one-on-one guidance has helped me identify my strengths and areas for improvement, allowing me to navigate challenges with greater confidence and clarity.
Moreover, executive coaching has fostered a deeper understanding of effective communication and team dynamics, which is crucial in a collaborative environment like ours. Through this resource, I've gained valuable tools to enhance my emotional intelligence and build stronger relationships with my team and clients. Overall, investing in executive coaching has not only contributed to my personal growth but has also positively impacted the culture and performance of my organization.

Robert Fausette · Answer

Networking events have been crucial to my development as a business leader. Attending these industry gatherings has been invaluable for building connections and expanding my knowledge. They offer a platform to meet and engage with fellow professionals, including accomplished real-estate agents, investors, and developers. These interactions have allowed me to learn from others' experiences, gain fresh insights and perspectives, and even receive mentorship from established leaders.
Attending these events has also allowed me to expand my professional network. By connecting with individuals from different backgrounds and areas of expertise, I have been able to tap into new opportunities, collaborate on projects, and even receive referrals for potential clients.

Sophie Marasco · Answer

One resource that has been instrumental in my personal development as a business leader has been mentorship programs. Connecting with experienced business mentors has allowed me to gain invaluable insights into running and growing my business. These mentors have not only provided practical advice on day-to-day operations but also offered guidance on long-term strategic planning. I've learned how to handle difficult business decisions, from scaling operations to navigating challenges in cash-flow management.
Being part of a mentorship network has also expanded my horizons by exposing me to different perspectives from leaders in various industries. This experience has improved my decision-making and leadership skills, allowing me to run my florist business more effectively. I highly recommend business owners seek out mentors or peer networks to gain insights that they might not find in books or formal training programs.

Amy Waninger · Answer

Professional certifications have been instrumental in my personal development as a business leader. Specifically, becoming a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) has been transformative for my work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. These certifications not only provided me with a deep understanding of DEI principles and best practices but also gave me credibility in the field. Additionally, becoming certified in assessments like CliftonStrengths, DiSC, IDI, and EIQ has enhanced my ability to help leaders and organizations leverage their unique strengths to create more inclusive and effective workplaces. These professional-development resources have directly impacted the quality of services I can offer to my clients, equipping me with tools and frameworks that I use daily in my consulting and speaking engagements. For other business leaders, I'd recommend identifying certifications or educational programs that align with your field and goals, as continuous learning is key to staying relevant and effective in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

Amaury Ponce · Answer

One resource that has been instrumental in my personal development is mentorship. Early in my career, learning directly from my father while working alongside him in the tree-service industry gave me invaluable hands-on experience. Additionally, earning my arborist certification from SMU expanded my technical knowledge and pushed me to think strategically about business growth. Surrounding myself with experienced professionals in my industry has helped me make better decisions and continuously improve. Investing in education and building relationships with mentors has been key to my success.

Gursharan Singh · Answer

I have absolutely loved my personalized mini-library with a Kindle subscription. It's such a game-changer—I can take it with me anywhere and have access to an unlimited number of books without having to physically carry them all.
This has truly revolutionized the way I read, making it both fun and convenient. Not only has it allowed me to discover new worlds and stories, but it has also helped me learn valuable life lessons and refine my leadership skills. This has had a significant impact on both my career and personal growth, and I couldn't be happier with the benefits it has brought to my life.

Keith Sant · Answer

Networking events and conferences have been invaluable to my personal development. These opportunities have enabled me to connect with industry professionals and gain insights from their experiences. At these events, I am able to attend workshops and seminars on various topics related to real estate, such as marketing strategies, negotiation techniques, and market trends. I also have the chance to meet other agents who have achieved great success in their careers and can offer valuable insights and advice. For example, at a recent conference I attended, I had the opportunity to hear from a top-selling agent who shared her journey to success and the challenges she faced along the way. Her story was not only inspiring but also provided practical tips and strategies that I could implement in my own business.

Margarita Hakobyan · Answer

One game-changer for me has been joining a "mastermind group" with a twist: small, diverse groups made up of people from different industries and career stages, led by a coach skilled in cross-functional insights. Traditional networking groups often reinforce industry norms, but this setup brought in perspectives I hadn't even considered. Each member's experiences became a direct resource. For example, a product designer's approach to problem-solving helped me tackle operational bottlenecks, while a founder's insights on resilience were invaluable during tough business cycles.
These groups aren't just about advice; they create an accountability system that's hard to find elsewhere. In every session, I had to outline tangible steps and follow through by the next meeting. This steady rhythm of goal-setting and feedback built strong momentum. It's rare to find such genuine accountability outside formal coaching. Here, each of us acted as both mentor and mentee, pushing each other beyond professional development.
The group's diversity and lack of competition allowed a level of honesty and creativity that's hard to find in industry-only groups. If you want to break out of an echo chamber and have peers who push you, a mastermind group like this is invaluable.

Brianna Rooney · Answer

When I hired an executive coach, it transformed my career. The most significant change came from emotional intelligence training for me and my team. I learned to recognize my triggers and manage my reactions. I could not control others. This shift not only improved my leadership and company culture but also had a lasting impact on my personal life.

Vaibhav Kamble · Answer

For business leaders, personal development is a continuous journey, and finding the right resources can make a significant impact. One resource that has been instrumental in my own growth is executive coaching. Working with a coach has provided personalized guidance, helping me refine leadership skills, enhance decision-making, and maintain a clear strategic vision. This service has not only sharpened my professional abilities but also had a profound influence on my personal development as a leader.
Why Executive Coaching Is Invaluable
1. Personalized Feedback and Guidance: One of the greatest benefits of executive coaching is the tailored feedback you receive. Unlike generalized leadership books or seminars, a coach provides insights specific to your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style. This personalized approach allows for targeted growth, which is hard to achieve through self-study alone.
2. Improving Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence (EI) is critical for effective leadership, and executive coaching helps enhance this skill. Through regular sessions, I've learned how to manage stress, communicate more effectively, and better understand my team's needs. These improvements in EI have strengthened my relationships with colleagues and employees, leading to a more positive work environment.
3. Strategic Thinking and Clarity: A good coach also challenges your thinking, helping you step back and see the bigger picture. This has been incredibly helpful in developing long-term strategies and making more informed business decisions. The clarity that comes from these coaching sessions has improved my ability to focus on what really matters for both the business and my personal leadership development.
4. Accountability and Growth: Having a coach has also provided accountability. Regular check-ins ensure that I stay committed to my development goals, whether it's improving communication skills or building a stronger company culture. This structured approach keeps personal growth on track, even when business demands are high.
Conclusion
For business leaders looking to grow, executive coaching is a powerful resource that offers personalized feedback, enhances emotional intelligence, and fosters strategic thinking. It's been a cornerstone of my personal development, allowing me to lead more effectively while continuously improving as a professional.

Ben Sporn · Answer

Hi,
One resource that's been instrumental in my personal development was joining a mastermind group. Surrounding myself with other business leaders provided accountability and fresh perspectives I didn't even know I needed. These groups are about sharing challenges, brainstorming solutions, and learning from people who've been in your shoes.
When I transitioned to leading Joy Wallet, the insights I gained from my mastermind were crucial. Other members had faced similar leadership challenges, from scaling operations to managing remote teams, and their advice saved me from making costly mistakes. It's also a space where you can be vulnerable—something that's hard to do within your own organization.
The value isn't just in the big breakthroughs, either. Sometimes, a simple book recommendation or tool suggestion from a fellow member changes everything. It's been one of the most effective ways I've grown as a leader, and I'd recommend it to anyone serious about their development.
Best,Ben

Tom Bronock · Answer

If I could give any entrepreneur one piece of advice, it will always be the same—get a professional coach.
My own experience of working with a coach was life- and business-changing. I had been running my own agency for several years, having founded it at the age of 23, and had experienced relative success. The business was experiencing annual growth, we had a good team, and the systems had evolved and were serving the business.
One day, a friend suggested I find a coach to help get another perspective, someone who can look into the agency objectively and maybe help.
I was highly skeptical. What could a coach do to help my business? They would very likely not get my industry, and what value would I get?
After a lot of deliberation, I picked up the phone to a coach called David, who I had been recommended.
That phone call changed my professional life.
After the first call, I decided to ask David to coach the business founders. It was a punt (and not cheap, I have to say), but I had nothing to lose, and if we didn't gel/get value, we could put a pin in it.
Needless to say, David changed everything. He helped us develop more robust systems, build a strong culture, coached us through business challenges, and helped us grow. It was the business education and accountability we needed. We thought we had it together, but after working with David for a few months, we realized we were a rabble.
Working with David, we grew our business from £1m to £7m in revenue in a matter of years and took our team from 8 to 28—all while improving product and culture.
Not all coaches are created equal. There is a sea of gurus out there who have never run a business. There are also a lot of ex-business owners (successful ones) who do not understand how to coach what they know.
Finding a coach, in our experience, must come from recommendation.
A good coach will always be objective. They will not tell you how to run your business, but they will teach you tools and strategies to run any business. They make intros, they hold you accountable to your business goals, they make you step out of the whirlwind and work "on" your business and not in it, they help you identify skill gaps in yourself and your team, and they keep you on track.
For me, I was skeptical, but now I am a huge advocate of coaches. Every business owner should get one. The investment in yourself and your business has a huge ROI. For me at least, my effectiveness as a business leader is 100x since coaching.

What Resources Are Instrumental in the Development of a Small Business Leader?

What Resources Are Instrumental in the Development of a Small Business Leader?

Leverage Mentorship and Peer Groups

Utilize MasterClass for Diverse Learning

Engage in Continuous Learning and Networking

Explore LinkedIn Learning for Growth

Join a Mastermind Group

Invest in Executive Coaching

Attend Networking Events

Participate in Mentorship Programs

Pursue Professional Certifications

Gain Hands-On Experience and Certification

Use a Kindle for Continuous Learning

Benefit from Conferences and Workshops

Join a Diverse Mastermind Group

Hire an Executive Coach

Consider Executive Coaching for Growth

Join a Mastermind Group for Insights

Get a Professional Coach for Guidance