The Foundations of Longevity in Business – Dr. Joybert Javnyuy

Back in late 2022, my office in Douala, Cameroon, turned into a lively hub where young entrepreneurs gathered regularly.

We would meet to talk, share ideas, and figure out how we could help each other grow.

These meetings were full of life and very hands-on, which made everyone feel like they were part of something special. We often ended up sharing useful things like where to find funding and how to tackle common business challenges.

During one of these sessions, I shared a thought that really resonated with the group.

I said, “Anyone can launch a business, but only those with the right mindset, expertise, and leadership skills can build a company that will thrive.”

This came from my own experiences and observations in the business world. It’s about more than just starting something; it’s about building it in a way that stands the test of time.

Let me break down the quote in a few words.

Why the right mindset?
The foundation of any successful business lies in the mindset of its founder. A growth-oriented mindset characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning is essential. Startup founders with the right mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Why Expertise?
This is broad however, while passion is important, it must be underpinned by solid expertise in the business’s core areas. This includes understanding the market, knowing the customer, and having the technical know-how to deliver products or services effectively. Startup founders should either possess this expertise or recognize gaps in their knowledge and fill them by hiring the right people or seeking further education.

Why leadership?
This is critical. Leadership is the glue that holds a company together as it grows. Effective leadership involves setting a clear vision, communicating it effectively to the team, and inspiring people to work together towards common goals.

Good leaders foster a culture of transparency and trust, empower their employees, and promote accountability. As startups typically work with limited resources and under significant pressure, the ability to lead effectively can make a significant difference in employee retention and satisfaction, which in turn impacts productivity and innovation.

What would you add to this?

Blessings!

Dr. Joybert Javnyuy