Lesson 58: Patterns

“Hi, I am Nigel Walker and I’m very excited about running for President of student council… I would like to achieve things such as getting other students involved in what kinds of school activities they would like to have.”

This is a quote from my 5th grade speech to run for president of student council. I have had a pattern of leadership for 20 years before I ever knew I wanted to serve as a CEO. More importantly, I have had a desire to get the people whom I serve involved. Pattern-recognition allows leaders to make better decisions. By recognizing that my leadership style enjoys getting people involved, I can use this information to contribute to my next leadership opportunity.

This tendency to recognize and act on patterns continues today. Since Lesson 1: Self-awareness, patterns in successful Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition have crystallized: The entrepreneur often has a background in finance or consulting; they are flexible in geography and industry but disciplined in business characteristics; they remain humble to learn from their team and investors; and like an artist, they have a unique style that adds value to the business.

My first step as an entrepreneur is finding a great business. Great businesses also have patterns. Involving a strong management team and leveraging the expertise of advisors aligns with the collaborative nature often seen in successful acquisitions. Below is a pattern for what makes a great business.

This pattern drives my decision-making as an entrepreneur. This week, I shared my first monthly update to my Business Advisory Circle. This is the group of advisors who receive detailed reports on my activity as an entrepreneur. One of the sections in the report describes an anonymous business I have considered acquiring. It includes a business description, financial metrics, and how this business fits the pattern above. Although I am highly interested in skilled trade education, discipline to this pattern will guide me to the right business where I can contribute the most as the leader.

My vision is to leverage my influence as a Black business leader to pursue economic justice. Ever since the 5th grade, I have wanted to get people involved in something bigger than myself. It is one of my leadership strengths. As I move into this era of entrepreneurship, I continue to seek ways to get people involved in this vision to create long-term earning power for employees. I am an artist and the business is clay in my hands. My ability to get the right people involved and recognize the patterns of a great business will shape the curves and contours of the organization until we have a masterpiece.

This is Lesson 58: Patterns. Next week is Lesson 59: Negotiation.