7 Successful Founders Share Their Favorite Leadership Advice

Whether you’re scaling a business or in need of some personal motivation, a helpful tip can go a long way, no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey.

Take it from these founders on the Growth Network, an invite-only organization at Inc. composed entirely of Inc. 5000 honorees, who got to talking about the best leadership advice they’ve ever received: 

1. “Live for the legacy, not the moment. Today will take care of itself–commit to the vision.”

–Wade Breitzke, CEO of WeCreate, a marketing agency for travel, hospitality, and tourism spaces based in Valparaiso, Indiana, and a 2023 Inc. 5000 honoree

2. “There’s an African proverb that says: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ So for me, a big part of leadership is deciding when to do each.” 

–Bill Austin, CEO of Columbus, Indiana-based Bill Austin & Associates engineering services, a four-time Inc. 5000 honoree

3. “Sometimes I even feel like the boldest way to know myself is to fail, to accept my flaws and set my eyes on being better every day.” 

–Jennifer Schielke Takenaka, CEO of two-time Inc. 5000 honoree Summit Group Solutions, a staffing and recruiting company based in Bellevue, Washington

4. “Exploring the importance of being people-oriented rather than task-oriented, transformational rather than transactional, and most important, inspiring rather than directing have been critical in my personal development.” 

–Patrick Laughlin, president of Systematic Business Consulting, a Cary, North Carolina-based human resources firm and 2023 Inc. 5000 honoree

5. “There are some things that will come naturally to you as a leader. For things that do not come naturally to you: Prepare, prepare, prepare. 

–Scott Anderson, co-founder of 2023 Inc. 5000 honoree Luma Brighter Learning, an instructional design and learning company based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

6. “Only read and respond to your emails twice a day–once in the morning and once at the end of the day. Email chains tend to be large with lots of people and have plenty of reactions throughout the day. It can be overwhelming and distract you from getting your work done.” 

–Jonathan Tofel, founder and CEO of Denver-based Mission Field, a global consultancy for consumer packaged goods manufacturers and two-time Inc. 5000 honoree

7. “Ask more questions! Questions lead to knowledge and questions also help eliminate miscommunications or misinterpretations.” 

–Amanda Zink, president of five-time Inc. 5000 honoree Air Control Home Services, a residential air conditioning, heating, and plumbing company based in Lake Havasu City, Arizona

The extended deadline for the 2025 Inc. Best in Business Awards is this Friday, September 19, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now.