25 lessons from a 25-year-old CEO

Last year was a roller coaster. Not only did I hit quarter life, I also became a founder and CEO of my own company.

It’s been a beautiful year as Passion Peers grew to a happy and motivated 20-member team. We’ve also had some unconventional projects and implemented digital business concepts for our encouraging clients.

As I reflect on everything that happened, I thought I’d share my experience with my peers and fellow entrepreneurs who may have also just stepped into this journey.

I realized that you learn difficult lessons about life and work when you relentlessly follow your dream, passion, and ambition. Here are 25 lessons I’ve learned:

1. Passion is misunderstood.

It is fulfilling to fail and struggle with the things you love to do. You’re not alone in your struggles because everyone fails. But the true mark of your passion shows when you pick yourself up from failure and get back up again.

2. Be empathetic.

Growing a team taught me the most important thing I wouldn’t have learned from my corporate job: how to be empathetic.

It’s specially important in a startup environment because each individual who joins you sacrifices the comfort or incentive they could enjoy in a bigger company. But they are with you because they believe in your cause and share your passion.

3. Being a CEO of a startup means getting your hands dirty.

You’re dabbling in HR, business development, and finance. You even need to think about what color your client’s social post visual should be. Don’t be hesitant to wear different hats because no job is too small.

4. Don’t run away from hard work.

The list of things to do will never end. Hard work is not your nemesis. Though it may give you a lot of pain, it also brings out the best in you and makes the journey worth it.

5. Stop finding work-life balance.

When you follow your passion, you will not need to choose between work and life because everything becomes a part of life. So stop, if you are still trying to find that balance.

6. Success = earning your team’s respect.

I thought success would be defined by the money I bring in, but I realized it’s only a measure. The intangible reward for what I sow, however, is earning the respect of my team and clients. That respect goes a long way to motivate you and encourage you to do the right things.

7. Spend time with like-minded people.

A lot of people walked away from my life; a few stayed—those who really believe in what I’m doing. The journey is lonely but this is part and parcel of thinking differently and doing things differently, so spend time with like-minded people who are in the same boat.

I recently joined the Founder’s Squad in Singapore, a community where you get to meet company founders every month to discuss your challenges and share your experiences.

8. Find the right talent.

9. Challenge the status quo.

10. Don’t be insecure.

11. Achieve milestones one by one.

12. Be patient.

13. Stop living with regrets.

14. Let yourself out every day.

15. Being competitive is not unhealthy.

16. Fight to conquer yourself.

17. Invest in yourself.

18. Be with experts.

19. Listen.

20. Read a lot.

21. Define yourself and your venture.

22. It’s OK to start alone.

23. Take a break.

24. Think long term.

25. Reach out for help.