Listen to “#802 Vulnerability in Leadership: Why It’s the Secret Sauce for Success” on Spreaker.

On‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌ ‌of‌ ‌The‌ ‌Small‌ ‌Business‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌Show…‌ ‌

Segment 1 with Ricardo Jimenez starts at 0:00.

Some people say that failure, if you can survive it, if you can move on from it, is the best teacher in small business. My first guest is Ricardo Jimenez is a Puerto Rico- and Barcelona-based writer, entrepreneur and active angel investor. Since 2014, he has performed direct investments in over 30 tech projects, including the Ethereum token.

He talks about coming back from going broke- very broke.

  • You could have kept this story to yourself – not many are brave enough to talk about their failures. Why tell it?
  • You mention failure as a narrative of success. What does that mean to you?
  • What was the number one mistake you made as an entrepreneur?
  • In the book you talk about how this experience was emotionally draining, but you also sunk a lot of money into it. You talk about taking out lines of credit – at one point $100,000 against your mortgage. What was the financial hit you took because of this venture?
  • In Crash Course, you talk about the many disappointments you experienced – lack of follow through, the ghosting, and the general feeling that people weren’t taking you seriously. Do you think that is something all entrepreneurs experience?
  • You talked about your dissatisfaction with your corporate job. I’m sure others feel like you do. Is that a good enough reason to get into entrepreneurship?
  • This experience led you to a spiritual path. You talk about this in the book. Can you share some of the things you’ve learned?

patrick nelson small business radio vulnerability in business

Segment 2 with Patrick Nelson starts at 17:05.

Within the past month, we saw an incredible example of leadership with President Joe Biden not running for president again. This was the right thing for his party and the country – not too many leaders have this self awareness.

My next guest is Patrick Nelson has gained both local and national accolades for his military service, academic career, and work as a professional speaker and trainer, including being named the inaugural NFL-Tillman Military Scholar. He is an experienced leader who spent nearly seven years in the US Army as a paratrooper and completed three combat deployments leading soldiers. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal.

He discusses that the secret sauce to leadership is actually vulnerability- a surprising observation for a military veteran.

  • What techniques would you recommend for leaders who are looking to shape and develop their own sense of self-awareness?
  • How does service-based leadership differ from more traditional leadership models, and why is it particularly relevant in today’s dynamic and fast-paced work environments?
  • What advice would you offer to veterans who are navigating the transition into leadership roles in the corporate world, and which specific skills or mindsets from their military experience that they can leverage to excel in civilian leadership positions?
  • How do you encourage individuals to cultivate a “growth mindset”, especially in the face of adversity or setbacks?
  • What are some valuable insights and practical takeaways for readers who may not have any military background? Specifically, what unique perspectives does the book provide that can benefit individuals from diverse industries?
  • If there is one piece of advice that you can give someone to help them start becoming a more effective leader, what would it be?

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