Momentum Masters - How Entrepreneurs Keep Winning After the First Success

0:01I'm going to be able to simplify constantly and protect your energy like it's your equity because honestly it really is. Hello Brave Bold Brilliant Family, Jeannette Linfoot here, your host and I'm absolutely thrilled to be live with you today. Now let me start with this question. How many times have you seen someone achieve one incredible success only to fade away very soon after? Now, the first win is exciting, isn't it? But true mastery? Well, that's about sustaining momentum, not just once, but again and again. So today we're uncovering what it really means to become a momentum master. And I'm talking about the kind of business leader who doesn't just peak once, but keeps rising, evolving and winning long after the first success story is told.

0:54so you know we would love to hear from you so you know at Brave Bob Brilliant we are creating a community of leaders a community that supports each other shares our ideas and really reaches out to help us all be better versions of ourselves in business because it can be really lonely it can be really lonely if you're a business owner it can be really lonely if you're an entrepreneur and it can certainly be really lonely if you're in the corporate world so let's make sure we're connected. If we're not, connect with me on social media, Jeanette Linfoot with two N's and two T's. You're going to find me on all the usual platforms, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok even.

1:36And we have our business pages as well, Brave, Bold, Brilliant. So let's get connected. If you are listening to the podcast, then please do hit that subscribe button, whether that's on iTunes, whether it's on Spotify, because that means you will be notified when we have a new episode out and the final little shout out really for you because I want to make sure you have maximum resources available to you is to go to the website go to our website www.brave-bold-brilliant.com and go to the learning hub because in there there are loads of amazing resources to really help you

2:10Jeannette:step up your leadership journey so before we dive into the detail of this session just let me know If you're watching this on social media, type it in the chat. And if you're listening to this and you want to send us an email, info at brave-bold-brilliant.com, that's also great. I actually see all them personally and respond to them. So, you know, let me know what was your first big success in business and what's been the hardest part about keeping that momentum going. all right so we're going to get into the detail here you might want to grab a pen and paper note this down but of course the great thing is that when we have our podcast brave bar brilliant which is already in the top one and a half percent of all podcasts in the world you know you can go back time and time again to listen to these episodes but it's also i think hugely helpful if you take notes as we're going so you know grab that pen and paper make some notes and if you've got any questions or you need any help, then reach out to me, reach out to the team.

3:09So the first part really is, you know, what momentum really is and why most people lose it. So, you know, momentum, it isn't just about speed. It's actually about direction plus consistency, you know, and it's that compound effect of the small, smart actions that keep building even when the spotlight fades.

3:30Jeannette:Now, a lot of business leaders and entrepreneurs lose momentum because, well, a couple of things really, but let me share a few that have resonated with me. And certainly I've been guilty of this through my years in business, 30 plus years, showing my age. You know, they pause to celebrate too long and forget to plan the next move. You know, they rely on the same formula that worked once and resist adapting. You know, it can also be a bit of a trap to forget that success creates new challenges that requires new skills. And true momentum is built when you keep growing after you win, not before.

4:08So, you know, I would encourage you just to reflect and think back to your first big win. You know, what habits helps you reach it and which of those have you let slip?

4:18Jeannette:You know, awareness is really the first step in regaining your edge. and you know that's what we do actually when we work with executive teams with boards with our executive edge program we really hone in on the details of what it takes to be a great leader how to create high performing teams and most importantly of course run the business develop the strategies so that you gain momentum and you're always pushing to that next level of achieving consistent results so there are five core principles of momentum masters and so let's break down the five invisible habits of those leaders who keep winning long after the applause fades.

4:57Jeannette:So number one, they play the long game. You know, momentum masters know that success is cyclical. There are seasons of growth, reflection and reinvention. They plan for all three. Secondly, they redefine success constantly. You know, what got you here won't necessarily get you there. They don't cling to old victories. They evolve the definition of winning as they grow. And thirdly, they stay in motion, even when it's small. Now, progress, I think as human beings, we are more satisfied and fulfilled when we're progressing. You know, we've got forward motion. Sometimes that can actually be backwards to go forwards.

5:39It could be sideways to go forward, but there is a motion around it. And progress, it isn't always about, you know, massive leaps. Sometimes it's actually, you know, just staying in forward motion, even in a very, very small way when others stop completely. OK, then number four, they build systems, not just wins.

6:00Jeannette:You know, while others celebrate results, momentum, you know, people that focus on momentum, they celebrate repeatable systems because it's the systems, the processes that's going to really be the foundation to allow you to sustain growth. And then the fifth point, which I absolutely love and is so important, is they learn faster than they fail. Right. So we're going to get stuff wrong. Get used to it. It's normal to fail. And I would argue if you are not failing, you're in your comfort zone. You're not actually pushing forward. So it's important to remember that every setback is feedback. Momentum isn't about avoiding failure.

6:36It's actually about recovering faster and smarter each time that you do. And ask yourself, what have you actually learned? So when you think about those five aspects of, you know, successful leaders, which of those five principles resonates most with you right now?

6:52Jeannette:You know, let us know where you are so that we can then move forward. So then, you know, what about some stories, the entrepreneur who never stopped climbing? Well, let me tell you just a quick story. I was working with a tech foundation founder in Manchester who built her startup from her living room and sold it for millions, significant millions, let me say. Now, many people would have retired there, but she didn't. Instead, she launched an incubator to help young founders, you know, and then invested in sustainable tech. So when I asked her why she didn't just stop, she said, my first win was proof I could do it.

7:34Jeannette:But my second win proved I could do it with purpose. And that's really the heart of momentum, isn't it? You know, when success becomes fuel, not just fulfillment. So that real desire to want to just continue, you know, and to reignite your momentum. So let's take let's go through this four step exercise. So as I say, grab your notebook if you have one or, you know, feel free to drop down your thoughts in the chat. If you're watching this on social media or drop us an email, that's also great as well. So just want to hear your thoughts as we go along. Step number one. And you can do this exercise with your teams, actually.

8:12Let me just say so you can do it live while you're listening to this with with me today. or maybe you're watching it on YouTube and you're playing it back. But you can also do this exercise with your teams as a bit of a team building exercise. So the first step, right, write down your last major success. What worked? You know, what mindset got you there? Either individually, if you're doing this as a leader yourself or collectively as a team. Okay, so that's step number one. Step number two, identify what stopped afterward. Did anything slow your momentum down? Maybe it didn't. But if it did, what was it?

8:53Note it down, what changed, what slowed down.

8:57Jeannette:step number three write one new growth strategy that excites you again and it might be something that you've been avoiding it might be something that you're delaying it could be an idea that you've had have had percolating for a long time you know i mean i actually personal story i'm over here in the u.s right now and i'm going to be attending a date with destiny with tony robbins which is a six day fully immersive 10 in the morning till 10 at night sometimes even longer because what I'm doing is I am actually thinking around the next stage of growth for us. So, you know, I'm hoping that from that, I'm going with no expectations actually, but I can imagine that I'm going to get some inspiration and thoughts around that forward momentum again.

9:42Jeannette:So, you know, have a discussion around that. And then the four step, you know, share one action that you're going to take this week to reignite that forward motion. Now, remember, it doesn't have to be massive. it might be a small step, but it's a step forward nonetheless. So momentum, it isn't built by waiting for motivation. It's built by motion itself. And this is really about a mindset shift from, you know, made it to making it happen. And the most dangerous phrase in entrepreneurship is I've made it, you know, because actually it's more around I'm still making it happen. So here's how, you know, successful leaders think differently.

10:21Jeannette:They celebrate quite quietly, but they strategize loudly. You know, they reinvent their goals before they stagnate. They measure success by impact, not attention. And of course, the thing that I absolutely love, which is really close to my heart when it comes to my values is they, they stay curious, but humble and hungry, you know, no matter how far they've come. So we can learn so much from each other, can't we? You know, and if you look around, who's inspiring you? And ask yourself, what would change in your business if you approached every day as if you were still in your first year, but with all the wisdom that you've got?

10:59Jeannette:And that's an amazing thing, isn't it? So, you know, there's a lot in here. I wanted to share this with you because, you know, forward motion and progress as human beings, I think, is when we're at our most happiest. So, you know, sharing ideas and thoughts is hugely helpful. It certainly helped me in my 30 plus years in business, both as a corporate CEO. When I was I was the CEO of the travel division for Saga, which is the FTSE 250. I was the MD of the emerging markets for TUI. But also in my entrepreneurial journey, you know, I have a portfolio of different businesses today and they challenge me in lots of different ways.

11:36Jeannette:And that jump out of corporate life into, you know, sort of being a business owner and investor with multiple businesses, it took a lot. you know and I didn't always get it right but actually by sharing some thoughts surrounding ourselves with the right people is hugely helped so you know let's just you know reflect on what are some of the common pitfalls that drain momentum and again as I say write these down it might help you just think oh actually is that going on in my world and let's just call them out because at the end of the day when we're aware it can really help us so I think pitfall number one resting on reputation you know assuming that your past wins guarantee future ones they do not you know i've just explained i spent 25 years in corporate and running successful businesses and i was very good at navigating that world i love my roles i love the teams i built i was super proud of the businesses that i ran but that doesn't mean to say that i'm going to be successful with what i've done next you know i've needed to adapt so i can't just rest on my reputation from you know know, my corporate life, even though that was a big, big part of what I did and what I achieved and who I became through the process, you know, but actually my entrepreneurial journey has tested me in so many different ways.

12:51So if I just approached it in the same way as I did when I had thousands of people on my team, you know, running global businesses all over the world in the travel industry, you know, I wouldn't have been successful. Um, so, you know, I've had to learn a lot. So again, as I say, pitfall number one, resting on your reputation.

13:10Jeannette:Try to avoid doing that. Pitfall number two, you know, it's about overcomplicating growth, you know, adding more instead of optimizing what already works. Sometimes we overcomplicate things in business, don't we? You know, we really need a real simple mission, vision, and strategy, right? And having absolute clarity of your purpose and your reason why, but keeping it simple. Don't overcomplicate it. And also that means your teams are more likely to get behind what you're trying to achieve and be able to explain it consistently and live and breathe by those values and that strategy. Pitfall number three, losing curiosity.

13:52Jeannette:Kind of thinking that there's nothing left to learn. Well, my God, I'm a big believer. I think every day is a school day. I mess up all the time. Every day I'm learning something new. And I love that. I love it. Gosh, I'd hang my shoes up if I wasn't continuing to be stretched and learn new things every day. You know, I don't know it all. I don't claim to know it all. I surround myself with people that know more than me, actually. And that's a strength of leadership as well, isn't it? okay so pitfall number four ignoring energy management now burnout oh it can be a very very real thing can't it you know and confusing exhaustion with effort you know as i said to you i'm over here in the states as i'm recording this episode by the time you listen back to this you know i may have but i'll be on the other side of this trip most likely but here's the thing you know, I recognized in myself, one, I wanted to, I always work on my personal development.

14:52Jeannette:I really wanted to do a Tony Robbins date with destiny in-person event. I've been talking about it for years, but I got sick earlier this year and it made me stop. And a lot of it I think was probably stress related and it made me reassess what's important. So burnout is very, very real. So one, I said, right, no time like the present. I must book my ticket for Tony Robbins. It was months and months and months and months ahead. And here we are. But on top of that, actually, Chris, my husband, who is incredibly supportive of me and is my absolute rock, you know, by my side all the time, he said, go a week early, give yourself time, give yourself space to just really put my own oxygen mass back on.

15:34So that's what I'm doing. So be very aware of your energy. So what are the fixes then for these, you know, scenarios that can play out?

15:42Jeannette:Well, I think the first thing is, you know, stay curious, simplify constantly and protect your energy like it's your equity, because honestly, it really is. If you're not in good shape, how can you possibly be able to be the best version for you, your teams, your business, your loved ones, your customers, your suppliers, all the stakeholders that you have to manage? Well, the answer is you can't. So really important. And it's something I'm hugely passionate about. And I talk about quite extensively. So, you know, as a just a reflection exercise for you you know write down these questions and then after that when you've got a bit of time either now right while you're doing it or maybe we're going back to this once you've got a bit more time what area of your business needs new momentum right now where are you stagnating you know secondly what habit or mindset shift will help you restart that momentum and this is about you as a leader thirdly who in your circle inspires you to stay in motion no matter what.

16:42Jeannette:It could be people on your team, it could be mentors, coaches, it could be someone that is in the broader industry that you look up to who's doing really cool stuff. You know, so as I say, we always want to hear what you've got to say. So share your thoughts with us. But importantly, share it with your team, you know, sit down, debate and discuss these things, because that's going to really help you move forward. So, you know, just before we finish up, as I say, you know, just a few final thoughts really momentum is a choice you know success doesn't build momentum momentum builds success it's not about luck or timing it's about refusing to stand still and that is a choice you know to keep reinventing your goals refining your systems recharging your mindset because when you master momentum you don't just achieve once you keep achieving evolving inspiring others along the way and those incremental gains they all compound compound growth is the absolute brilliant thing to be able to go to so listen thank you so much for joining me today on brave bob brilliant it's been an absolute joy sharing these thoughts with you as a little reminder if we're not connected on social media let's get connected Jeanette Linford two n's two t's you'll find me everywhere um brave bob brilliant our business pages also on iTunes and Spotify with the podcast and YouTube we have a YouTube channel so please hit that subscribe button because it allows us to help you more but it allows us to reach more people and help more people which is one of the absolute core values that we live and breathe every single day here at Brave Bold Brilliant and as I say go to the website take advantage of that learning hub you know there's so much in there that's going to help you and you know just remember you know if this episode inspired you to reignite your drive and sustain your success share it with other people like the video you know send it to someone in your network who could do with also a little bit of a you know a va va voom shall we say and of course you know every week we share insights so if you subscribe to brave bob brilliant community you're going to get the weekly newsletter you're going to get all of the free resources that we always put out there you know and we're really going to be able to help and support each other to grow and continue to thrive so as always you know be brave be bold and be brilliant and i will see you next time i really hope you've enjoyed this episode of brave bold brilliant remember check out our new website www.brave-bold-brilliant.com you're going to find loads of resources on there that's going to help you with your leadership journey and with the businesses that you're trying to scale up and grow.

19:23So take care everyone and remember there are no limits to your growth but it is by being brave and bold that you're going to unlock your brilliance.