If you had the opportunity to hop into a time machine and talk to your younger business self, what would you say? Many successful entrepreneurs have shared that they wish they had known certain things earlier in their careers. It could be advice about time management, prioritizing their goals, the importance of networking, or the need to focus on self-improvement. Whatever the advice may be, it's clear that every entrepreneur has experienced lessons they wish they had known sooner. By reflecting on past experiences, you can gain valuable insights to apply to your current or future business endeavors. This is one of our favorite questions here at CBNation.
Here’s what CEOs would tell their younger business selves.
#1- Master the art of networking
If there is one single piece of advice I could impart to my younger business self, it would be that one should master the art of networking as early as one can. I found this fact out the hard way. Initially, I was too fixated on developing the best product that I could, thinking that ‘If I build it great enough, they will come’. Years later, when I finally made it to a local business meetup – something I should have done much earlier – I experienced firsthand how vast a well-connected network can be. Networking is not only about contacting people; it’s about participating positively in society and establishing relationships with people way ahead before one requests something.
Thanks to Soubhik Chakrabarti, Icy Tales!
#2- Embrace adaptability
Embrace adaptability—be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice. As you grow, what works today may not work tomorrow. The ability to seamlessly shift your strategy is invaluable. Success often lies in those small, consistent improvements rather than grandiose plans. Trust your intuition, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of a strong network. The business landscape is always evolving, and so should you.
Thanks to Kate Hill, Kate Hill Flowers!
#3- Continue to leverage technology
One insight I’d share with my younger self is the critical role of technology in helping scale a business and create a competitive edge. Start-ups often hesitate to invest in smart tech due to budget concerns, but at iMile, we’ve seen firsthand how early adoption of data-driven systems and automation of the supply chain has allowed us to scale rapidly while meeting the multiple requirements of our markets. However, technology alone isn't enough, building strong cross-border relationships and adapting to the unique local needs of each market are equally important. Finding the right balance between innovation, agility & people creates a successful & resilient business.
Thanks to Naveen Joseph, iMile Delivery!
#4- Trust your intuitions
If I could offer a single piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, tune into your intuition and let it guide your business decisions. Your instinct often knows more than your mind can immediately grasp. Combining a thoughtful strategy with your gut feeling can pave the way for more authentic and impactful leadership. Trusting yourself in this manner fosters confidence and confidence, inspiring others. It’s a cycle of trust and belief that fortifies your brand and resonates with your team and customers.
Thanks to Sabine Arslanian, Ora Gift!
#5- It's okay to go with the flow
I would tell my younger entrepreneurial self that business comes in ebbs and flows and that it is OK to go with the flow. There will be a time to push your business and a time to coast in your business… and to let myself know that the reason for starting my own online business was for the flexibility it gave me and I could work as little or as much as I need to at different stages of our family life. Oh, and if a client starts out by being a pain in the butt, don't continue the working relationship as they will continue to be a pain in the butt!!
Thanks to Melissa Ahlquist, Little Biz!
#6- Embrace failure as a teacher
Listen closely, younger self. Focus on solving real problems, not just chasing trends. Build a team that complements your skills and shares your vision. Embrace failure as a teacher, but fail fast and learn faster. Cash is king—manage it wisely and always have a runway. Cultivate resilience; the entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Network relentlessly, but build genuine relationships, not just connections. Stay curious and never stop learning from others, including your competitors. Be adaptable; markets change, so should you. Don't neglect your physical and mental health. Celebrate small wins. Most importantly, remember why you started this journey.
Thanks to Michael Monette, Furniture Plus!
#7- Focus on building a solid foundation
I've always believed that focusing on a solid foundation is important to lasting success, rather than chasing quick wins. Real growth comes from consistent planning and disciplined action. If you’re investing, running a company, or leading a team, the core of your success is about making smart choices, managing risks well, and keeping things moving forward step by step. I rely heavily on working with a competent team, keeping our collective eyes on the long-term prizes, and making our choices based on solid data and well-thought-out strategies.
Thanks to Alex Langan, Langan Financial Group!
#8- Embrace adaptability
One piece of advice I would give to my younger self is to embrace adaptability. In business, things rarely go exactly as planned, and the ability to pivot quickly when challenges arise is crucial. At Revolution Health Marketplace, we’ve learned that being flexible and open to change allows us to stay ahead in a constantly evolving industry. Surround yourself with a strong team, trust their expertise, and be willing to adjust your course when needed—it’s often the key to long-term success.
Thanks to Tim Johnson, Revolution Health Marketplace!
#9- Don't be afraid of making mistakes
Mistakes are not weaknesses, but opportunities to grow and learn. Trust your instincts, even when the path seems unconventional because your intuition will often guide you in the right direction. Take the time to build relationships—they are just as valuable as legal expertise. Above all, remember that you can’t always control everything, but how you respond to challenges is in your hands. Be patient and stay courageous, even when things don’t go perfectly right away.
Thanks to Nico Glöckle, Glöckle Rechtsanwälte!
#10- Leverage your staff’s passions
Especially in the creative field, I find that the best work comes from staff who are inspired. Part of it comes from leaders understanding their staff members’ interests and assigning them to the right tasks and projects. At the same time, employees need to be able to produce good work on projects that don’t necessarily excite them. Maybe you need to position their work in a way they hadn’t thought about before, give them context about how their work fits into your company’s larger goals, or motivate them with specific KPIs. Even if you aren’t doing this type of management yourself, it helps to understand it and ensure that your team leaders develop those skills for themselves.
Thanks to Thomas Samuels, Cardinal Expo!
#11- Start networking
Network, and then network some more. It's all about building relationships that pave the way for collaborations, new opportunities, and growth across various sectors. I make it a point to connect with others because this opens up doors to partnerships, funding, and mentoring opportunities that can be valuable for us. I'm not only talking about meeting people, though. Networking allows me to swap ideas, catch up on industry trends, and learn the best practices. These connections usually lead to introductions and referrals, expanding my network even further. And in a workplace that never stands still, having a strong network is really important.
Thanks to Gabe Charalambides, Odyssey!
#12- Lead with empathy
I've found that leading with empathy is not just beneficial; it's really important! I focus on creating a positive environment where people, clients, and team members alike, feel very valued and respected. When people know that I care about their feelings and dreams, they feel seen and appreciated. This can really improve loyalty and motivate people to give their best. By prioritizing empathy, I help create open dialogue and strong collaboration, which only serves to strengthen our brand's identity. In my experience, personal connections matter a lot in business and pave the way for success.
Thanks to Danielle Hu, The Wanderlover!
#13- Embrace flexibility from the start
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it’d be to embrace flexibility from the start. Early on, I thought sticking to a detailed plan was the secret to success. But at ShipSage, I learned that the business world—especially in e-commerce—is always changing. It’s crucial to stay adaptable, tweak strategies on the fly, and not cling too tightly to one approach. Pivoting when new challenges or opportunities pop up has been a huge part of our success. Being flexible doesn’t mean losing sight of your goal—it means finding better ways to get there.
Thanks to Ben Pu, ShipSage!
#14- Build strong relationships early
To my younger business self, I would say focus on building strong relationships early on—they’ll serve as the foundation for long-term success. Don’t rush growth; instead, be patient and deliberate in your decision-making. Every challenge will offer a valuable lesson, so don’t fear failure—use it to improve. Stay adaptable because the market and technology will change, often faster than expected. Most importantly, trust your instincts but remain open to advice and new ideas. Business is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself accordingly.
Thanks to Ben Wieder, Legal6 Incentives!
#15- Always stay optimistic
I was far too conservative when I was younger. I'd tell myself to be bolder. Mistakes are learning opportunities. Don't fear risks – volunteer, speak your mind, and believe in yourself. Financial struggles are part of the journey and it’s ok to struggle early on. You will have time to go again except with so much more know-how and wisdom, so use those struggles as tuition for the future. Prioritize your future over material possessions. Avoid procrastination. Seizing opportunities and putting in the hard work now will allow you to enjoy balance later. Most importantly, smile more and stay optimistic.
Thanks to James Stevens, Mr Roses!
#16- Always check in with your employees
Check-in with at least one of your employees by phone every day. It’s important that everyone who works for you knows you and feels comfortable talking to you. Even if you can only spare one five-minute call on a really busy day, checking in and letting them know you’re interested in their well-being is incredibly important. Keep a personal spreadsheet and track it as well just so you know who you’ve talked to and who you haven’t.
Thanks to Mitch Chailland, Canal HR!
#17- Slow down and listen more
In the rush to scale and hit those milestones, it’s easy to think that speed equals progress. But real growth comes from paying attention to the details, the small things your clients aren’t saying but showing you, the feedback that doesn’t fit neatly into a report. It’s in those quieter moments that you often find the most valuable insights. Give yourself the space to truly hear and adapt, and you’ll build something far more resilient.
Thanks to Peter Murphy Lewis, Strategic Pete!
#18- To not fear taking risks
Just take risks. No matter how scary it may seem at the moment, if there's a choice in front of you – just think if it's better in the long run. If it is – then just go for it, else it will bother you. Just like the quote, ‘Better an oops than a what if', learn to say okay to new adventures, new ideas, and recommendations. The feedback that you receive is for your business and not for you to take it personally. This generation needs to understand positive feedback or constructive criticism is just meant for your products and business rather than your capability to run the business.
Thanks to Ridhi, Leoberry Gifts!
#19- To focus relentlessly on building a strong team
I would advise my younger self to focus relentlessly on building a strong team and fostering a culture of innovation. Surround yourself with people smarter than you in various domains and empower them to excel. Learn to delegate effectively and trust your team to execute while you concentrate on the big-picture strategy. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and don't be afraid to pivot when necessary. Prioritize customer needs and market trends over your own assumptions. Always learn and adapt to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape and remember that sustainable growth & long-term value creation should take precedence over short-term gains.
Thanks to Christian Espinosa, Blue Goat Cyber!
#20- Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
As an entrepreneur in the legal field, I always run into tough decisions and unpredictable scenarios. What I've found works best for me is to address these situations head-on. This technique doesn't just improve my ability to solve problems; it also strengthens my strength. Dealing with difficult client interactions, taking risks, or making difficult business choices sharpens my instincts as a leader. True success usually comes from embracing these challenges that drive both personal and professional growth.
Thanks to Steven Rodemer, Rodemer & Kane!
#21- To build strong relationships
As a lawyer running my own firm, I always tell entrepreneurs that building strong relationships is important. In this line of work, the goal is to connect deeply with clients, colleagues, and even competitors. It's not enough to just network – you have to create trust and consistently bring something valuable to the table. I always make sure to stay connected with my clients, support mentorships within our field, and actively seek collaboration on tough cases. These connections are genuinely what keep a business thriving in the long run.
Thanks to Justin Lovely, Lovely Law Firm Injury Lawyers!
#22- To learn the art of delegation
I've always believed that the art of delegation is important, especially as your business expands. It's tempting to micromanage every detail to ensure success, What has worked for me is building a team I can trust and letting them handle various responsibilities. Hiring the right people, clearly communicating my vision, and entrusting them with their roles not only saves me precious time for strategic planning but also creates a culture of trust and accountability. After all, empowering your team is at the heart of strong leadership.
Thanks to John Gluch, Gluch Group San Diego!
#23- To start even if you don’t feel ready
I’d tell my younger self that you’ll never feel 100% ready. In fact, you shouldn’t feel 100% ready. Waiting until everything is perfect, or you feel completely confident, is just a form of procrastination. Remind yourself that success isn’t getting the result. Success is taking action. As a young CEO, I used to over-tweak everything. Now, I get it good enough and ship it. So here is your encouragement to go out there and do the thing, even if you don’t feel ready!
Thanks to Heidi Weinberg, Successful Fashion Designer!
#24- Trust the process and be patient
It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your journey to others, especially in today’s social media-driven world. Focus on your own goals and milestones rather than what everyone else is doing. Remember that success is not always linear; there will be setbacks & challenges along the way. Embrace those as learning opportunities rather than failures. Also, prioritize building a solid foundation for your business. Lay the groundwork with a clear vision and values, as they will guide you through tough decisions down the line. In the end, consistency & determination will take you much further than trying to rush the process.
Thanks to James-Dylan Lloyd, Bella Virtual!
#25- Create genuine connections
The key to long-term success in any business is building strong relationships with your customers. If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to focus on creating genuine connections early on. It’s not just about selling a product or service—it’s about understanding your customer’s needs, solving their problems, and continuously adding value. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to build trust and loyalty. That’s what turns a one-time buyer into a lifelong supporter of your brand.
Thanks to Jordan Figueredo, Pelicoin!
#26- Don't fear taking calculated risks
To my younger business self, I would say, be brave enough to talk to those wiser than you. Wisdom is everywhere if you seek it, so build your network of high-net-worth individuals as quickly and broadly as possible. Cultivating these relationships early can open doors you never imagined. Then, always be humble enough to listen. When opportunities arise, sometimes intuition will guide you better than rigid plans. Don't fear taking calculated risks, as they often lead to the most rewarding experiences. Embrace failures as essential lessons, not setbacks.
Thanks to Valentin Radu, Omniconvert!
#27- Be healthy in all ways
Prioritize your mental health to ensure that you can reap the fruits of your success. To be fully functional, you should be healthy in all ways. Most of the time, we overwork because we believe it can help us be more successful. There is nothing wrong with that, but eventually, you'll be burned out, which will defy the purpose of all your hard work since you can no longer appreciate it.
Thanks to Veronica West, My Thriving Mind!
#28- Hire people that are smarter than you
I’d like to share one of the best pieces of business advice I have ever received, passed down early in my career from my father and co-founder, Trevor Bolland – “Hire people that are smarter than you, that know what you don’t, and can complement your skillset.” A trap that many business owners fall into is thinking they need to know everything. A successful CEO needs to be able to recognize, in equal measures, their abilities and their own knowledge gaps, and be able to delegate what they don’t know without attaching ego. Collaboration and the exchange of knowledge is critical to success.
Thanks to Monique Bolland, Nuzest!
#29- Don’t be afraid to break things
When you start out, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect before taking action, but the truth is, nothing will ever be flawless from the beginning. The quicker you experiment, test, and figure out what works—and what doesn’t—the quicker you can make adjustments and improve. Failure is inevitable, but failing fast is key because life and opportunities don’t wait around forever. Each misstep is a lesson that gets you one step closer to success. Embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
Thanks to Ryan Giorgiutti, EzFeasy!
#30- Delegate tasks and trust the team
Delegate and trust your team, you can't oversee every detail of the business. Learn to trust others with operations so you can focus on strategic leadership and external demands. Balance Internal and External Roles: Managing the company involves balancing internal leadership with external responsibilities like media, shareholders, and government. These external pressures will take up significant time and energy. Embrace the Learning Curve: Even seasoned leaders will feel like they're starting fresh. You’ll need to develop new skills, manage public scrutiny, & reshape relationships at all levels.
Thanks to Adrian Warner, Avenir Capital!
