I have always found that leading with fairness has been instrumental in helping me build diverse teams and developing meaningful relationships in my career. Assuming that people are operating with the right intentions has also allowed me to harness both the individual talents and the unique contributions of all team members. I know that everyone is different and that they go about working and thinking differently. Recognizing alternative paths that are heading toward the same destination makes for a more pleasant and enjoyable journey.
Jon Beck
CEO, Columbus Consulting
The ability to focus. Many people spend too much time worrying about things they can’t control or affect. When there’s a problem to solve, whether work or personal, you need to identify the one or two things that’ll have the greatest impact on the resolution, then put a laser focus on them. Then accept the outcome, whatever it is, and move on. There’s always something else that requires your attention. I went from being a sales rep to the CEO of a public software company in just 10 years and I attribute a lot of that success to focus.
Mark Woodward
CEO, Annex Cloud
Shahin Kohan, a seasoned and trusted technologist, businessman and advisor, is on a mission to catalyze the potential of people and organizations through the power of technology. Three decades of experience working across industries has granted him the knowledge, resources and perspective to effectively create solutions to problems of any size, and ultimately help others make their impact on the world. His companies, including AIMS360, the leader of fashion technology, and Kumo Technology, a pioneering workflow innovation and software development company focused on the private lending industry, allow him to achieve that goal. A proud American immigrant raised amidst the struggle of Tehran, Iran in the 70s, his inspiring journey of possibility, persistence and passion fuels his deep appreciation and endeavor to make technology more accessible, human and powerful for all.
Perseverance is key. It might sound cliché, but when it comes to a startup environment, it's all about not giving up. Challenges such as losing deals or facing competition are constant, but it's crucial to keep moving forward, learning from setbacks and focusing on the positive. For instance, if you lose one deal but win five others, that's progress. Also, hiring people of high character is vital—they keep you grounded and prevent negative spirals. Let’s not forget, we are all human; we all face moments of doubt. But it's important to avoid dwelling on what's in the past and instead, keep failing forward, surrounded by a team that shares your values.
Henry Kim
CEO, Swiftly
Shahin Kohan, a seasoned and trusted technologist, businessman and advisor, is on a mission to catalyze the potential of people and organizations through the power of technology. Three decades of experience working across industries has granted him the knowledge, resources and perspective to effectively create solutions to problems of any size, and ultimately help others make their impact on the world. His companies, including AIMS360, the leader of fashion technology, and Kumo Technology, a pioneering workflow innovation and software development company focused on the private lending industry, allow him to achieve that goal. A proud American immigrant raised amidst the struggle of Tehran, Iran in the 70s, his inspiring journey of possibility, persistence and passion fuels his deep appreciation and endeavor to make technology more accessible, human and powerful for all.
Leadership Essentials: The Key Character Trait for Success
Leadership Essentials: The Key Character Trait for Success
Shahin Kohan, a seasoned and trusted technologist, businessman and advisor, is on a mission to catalyze the potential of people and organizations through the power of technology. Three decades of experience working across industries has granted him the knowledge, resources and perspective to effectively create solutions to problems of any size, and ultimately help others make their impact on the world. His companies, including AIMS360, the leader of fashion technology, and Kumo Technology, a pioneering workflow innovation and software development company focused on the private lending industry, allow him to achieve that goal. A proud American immigrant raised amidst the struggle of Tehran, Iran in the 70s, his inspiring journey of possibility, persistence and passion fuels his deep appreciation and endeavor to make technology more accessible, human and powerful for all.