Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elizabeth Tufegdzich, Partner and COO of The Leadership Agency, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Leadership Agency is North America and the UK's recruitment partner of choice for the fastest-growing, high-growth tech companies. We help to build the most impressive companies of our generation, such as Diversio, Afterpay, SkipTheDishes, Headway, and TripActions… to name a few!
Tell us about yourself
I didn’t start off in my journey with The Leadership Agency as a business owner. I was actually the very first hire within the organization and got to work alongside the brilliant Founder, Jamie Savage. My team motivates me every single day to do what I do and show up in the best way possible. They are so complementary to one another that each has their own diverse skillset and expertise, and they are authentically themselves.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Becoming a Partner is my biggest achievement since joining the organization. Joining at infancy allowed me to hold over five roles within the organization and experience different challenges, strengths, and ideas as The Leadership Agency evolved.
I’m also extremely proud of the success the 4-day work week implemented in 2020 has had. We were one of the first to pilot this initiative and have never looked back. As a business leader, you need to have empathy for everyone’s journey and be vulnerable with your own. The 4-day work week allowed us to lean into conversations on workplace mental health, which then led me to my Workplace Mental Health Leadership Certificate delivered by Queens University. When you know better, you do better!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Trusting your instincts when it comes to big decisions. You can be your own worst enemy in the decision-making process and let your instincts take a back seat. I am trying to lean into trusting my instincts, silencing my doubts, and not being afraid to ask for help when I don’t know the answer.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You have nothing to lose and everything to gain – fortune favors the bold, so just do it.
- Surround yourself with amazing mentors who are smarter than you.
- Delegate – you can’t do it all; you need a strong team to handle your blind spots.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.leadershipagency.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theleadershipagency/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleadershipagency/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/weheartstartups
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-tufegdzich-58aa18138/
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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