Why Not? Embracing Curiosity, the Driver for Business Startups and for Change of Direction.

6 Jul

Starting a business or making a significant change requires a certain level of audacity and a willingness to embrace the unknown. It involves venturing into unfamiliar territory, taking calculated risks, and challenging conventional wisdom.

Instead of succumbing to fear or doubt, entrepreneurs with a "Why not?" mentality embrace the unknown and view it as an opportunity for growth and powerful drivers for business startups and transformative change shaping individuals both personally and professionally through their curiosity and the driving force behind this leap of faith to explore, discover, and create something new.

“Why not?” is the theme of the 2023 YTM Insight Award Dinner coming up in July 2023. It is an opportunity for the YTM business community to come together over a relaxed and enjoyable meal , hear five entrepreneurs share their insights of what made them embark on the entrepreneur journey and for you to join in the valuable conversations.

Our speakers will focus on the following points as they share their stories:

Embracing Creativity and Innovation

Entrepreneurship is inherently tied to creativity and innovation. Curiosity drives entrepreneurs to ask, "Why not think outside the box?" and explore unconventional solutions to problems. Along the entrepreneurial journey, individuals learn to tap into their creativity, to think critically, and to challenge the status quo. They discover the power of innovative thinking and the value of bringing fresh ideas to the table. This creativity not only fuels business growth but also enriches their personal lives, enabling them to approach challenges with a creative mindset.

Developing a Growth Mindset

Curiosity fuels a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Entrepreneurs who embrace curiosity understand that failures and setbacks are not indicative of their worth or potential. Instead, they view them as opportunities for learning and growth. The entrepreneurial journey teaches individuals to approach challenges with a growth mindset, asking themselves, "Why not see setbacks as stepping stones to success?" This mindset fosters a continuous desire to learn, improve, and expand their skills and knowledge.

Learning from Failure and Taking Calculated Risks

Failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. However, it is through failure that entrepreneurs often learn their most valuable lessons. Curiosity enables them to view failures as learning opportunities, asking themselves, "Why not extract valuable insights from this experience?" This mindset encourages entrepreneurs to reflect on their mistakes, analyze what went wrong, and apply those lessons to future endeavors. Along the way, they also develop the ability to take calculated risks, recognizing that innovation and growth often require stepping outside of their comfort zones.

Embracing Resilience and Adaptability

One of the most significant lessons entrepreneurs learn is the importance of resilience and adaptability. The road to success is rarely a smooth one, and challenges and setbacks are inevitable. However, by embracing a curious mindset, entrepreneurs develop the resilience to persevere through difficult times. They ask themselves, "Why not view setbacks as opportunities?" and learn to adapt their strategies in response to changing circumstances. This ability to bounce back and adapt becomes a valuable skill not only in business but also in navigating life's challenges.

Kerryn Powell, founder of YTM, shared a story in her book “Two Ears, One mouth and a Big Heart: of a speaker at one of the past YTM dinner events in 2017.

“Jane Seymour, co-founder of Mount Zero Olives, a primary producer of olives and olive oil, shared the trials and tribulations of running an award-winning iconic brand that was beholden to the elements and far outside her comfort zone.

Jane and her husband Neil established Mount Zero Olives in 1993 following an unexpected redundancy. Neil was looking for a new venture. They fell in love with a derelict olive grove in the foothills of Mt Zero, adjacent to the Grampians National Park. Jane’s first glimpse of the property was on a scorching hot, dusty day in January.

The soil, baked hard in the sun, with scores of shrivelled, stunted olive trees that had been neglected for decades made Jane’s heart sink. How could they ever transform this overgrown mess into a business venture that could support them both and fulfil Neil’s dream and restore his confidence? Fast-forward twenty-five years and Mount Zero Olives is now an iconic brand, distributed nationally and to some of our Asian neighbours” and has diversified and now also harvests Mount Zero Pink Lake Salt, and created skincare range for ‘the Girl and the Olive’.

Jane and her husband, pushed forward. It is that “WHY NOT!” approach that has moved many forward and is the topic of conversation at the upcoming YTM dinner on 25th July. Where 5 other entrepreneurs will share their insights . Let us introduce them:

Nick Sheridan about the business journey of 99th Monkey. As a former journalist (The Age, Global Coffee Report) living in London and training for his first (and maybe last) marathon in 2012, Nick became obsessed with peanut butter. When he and his wife Tracey returned to Melbourne, he decided to turn his nut butter obsession into a business.
Ben Gray- 13bit - Often Businesses change direction when an idea is sparked. Ben Gray from 13.bit recently said to himself WHY NOT when he identified a need to apply his IT skills and understanding of how young children interact. Listen to his story and how the journey to take a vision to reality is in play.
Sue Glasser- Productivity and Mindset Coach– From South Africa and chaos to Australia and all it had to offer. Sue Glasser a productivity and success coach has made adjustments and had the courage to simply open up her thinking to WHY NOT! and her journey and ability to evolve will get you thinking.
Anna Osherov, the CEO & founder of Flintt and a teacher at RMIT University in Marketing Comms & Public Relations - Many times along her journey Anna chose to state “Why Not!” both in life and in business. This statement has empowered her to travel all over the world, get lost in the mountains of Japan and see the sun rise over Machu Picchu. And, in recent times has helped her pivot her business through the challenges we’ve all experienced.
Saulo Canny, Canny Electrics- What a journey, from Peru to Australia and to business owner of Canny Electrics, Home automation and electrical services. So many tales to share, how can he roll it into just 6 minutes? Saulo will shine a light on the learnings along the way and why he has been compelled many times to think to himself WHY NOT!

Building Strong Networks and Collaboration

Entrepreneurship is not a solitary endeavour. The journey teaches entrepreneurs the value of building strong networks and fostering collaboration. Curiosity drives individuals to seek out connections, to learn from others, and to collaborate on projects and ventures. Through networking, entrepreneurs gain access to diverse perspectives, valuable resources, and mentorship opportunities. The willingness to ask, "Why not collaborate and leverage the strengths of others?" enables entrepreneurs to build mutually beneficial relationships that contribute to their personal and professional growth.

So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, perhaps you will be reminded to embrace curiosity and be open to the lessons that await you, both personally and professionally and ask yourself, "Why not?"

Hello, we are the team at YTM- Kerryn and Leigh, Powell.

We live in Melbourne, Australia. Having grown up in small business families, we understand that running a small business can be tough and effects every aspect of your life.

We have experienced the challenges you face, and how important the right support, knowledge and strategies are for your business or organisation to grow. Technical knowledge is not enough.

We understand that business owners and professionals often feel they are facing overwhelming odds and lack the support and knowledge they need.

We acknowledge that merely understanding, doesn’t make it easy, but it does make a difference when you can access events, workshops, strategy sessions and a supportive community designed with you in mind! Let’ have a conversation and discuss how YTM can assist you to grow your business. Book a time here .