Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eugene Dilan, founder, and CEO of DILAN Consulting Group, located in Sebastopol, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At its core, Business is Human® – and that's our sweet spot. You're the expert in your business, and as psychologists, we understand people. By collaborating, we develop your leadership and team capabilities to unleash the human potential that enables organizations to thrive. The team at DILAN Consulting Group are hands-on experts in business and doctoral-level experts in clinical and organizational psychology. We have managed, founded, and grown organizations. We also have years of experience supporting federal, state, and local government agencies and non-profit entities, along with deep experience in the aerospace, biotech, defense, energy, engineering, environmental, financial, fintech, hospitality, marketing, semiconductor, social media, and SAAS industries. Our services include Executive Coaching, team and organizational development, change management, and DEIA. We are also great at helping teams to manage conflicts.
Tell us about yourself
After a long career managing non-profits, I realized that I was really energized by the opportunity to implement change initiatives and build teams. This was especially true when I first joined new organizations. That eventually led to small consulting opportunities, and that led me to join a British consulting firm for ten years prior to starting my own firm 12 years ago.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is building a team of very talented people and the long-standing relationships I have established with clients. Fundamentally, Business is human, and I am proud of my ability to put our business philosophy into action.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One is the loneliest number, and being a leader can be lonely. What I mean is that you have to carry a lot of emotional load on your own. This does not mean that I hide things from the team. I am actually very transparent. However, it is not always appropriate to burden our teams with the pressures. As an extravert who likes to process things, this has been especially hard, and so it was essential to establish a group of trusted advisors. Teams look to their leaders for hope and inspiration, so it is essential that we reflect before we share and always strive to put our best foot forward.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My number one recommendation is to act now - don't wait. The timing and situation will never be perfect. Also, starting a business when you are young gives you a lot of runways to learn and make mistakes and recover. Starting and growing a business is not a linear process, so my number two is to be patient and persistent. One of the big differentiators between people who are successful and those who are not is determination. My final tip is to always be ready to pivot. In today's business environment, one cannot afford to get too attached to one vision or approach. We have to stay open to ideas and be willing to experiment.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://dilanconsulting.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DILANConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dilan-consulting-inc-/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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