Nicole Yershon
Values Through Adversity
The Fearless Manifesto™
It’s been an exciting journey so far. Disruption is a great teacher. And these are the rules I’ve learned along the way. There’s 10 of them so far. They are different rules perhaps but they have worked for me. You can call them values, you can call them principles — but whatever you do call on them — if you want to get on in this life.
“I learned that just a few good people can rip up trees — even a forest. I know this because I’ve had to do it more than a few times and then build a mountain in its place…”
The only way I could get through was by igniting the same desire in others. I tapped into their passion and encouraged them to be willing partners in the challenge. Whatever it was.
#1. Being A Power
To cut through adversity takes a special kind of stubbornness. There’s a few basic values that make that up — respect for others where it’s due, total honesty about everything, total openness and authenticity in everything I do. Add to these the tenacity to go around stupidity, dogged determination and the humility to accept when I’ve got it wrong. You won’t get far without these and you can’t just spray them on. If you work on anything work on these.
#2. Develop Nerve
You need nerve to be effective outside your comfort zone. And you need to go there because that’s where value usually gets created. You need nerve because your critics will shout and point at you. There will always be those that don’t get it — whatever it is. They’re never going to and you have to keep moving forwards. Nerve enables you to deliver your obsession for achievement and never to accept compromise.
#3. Never Accept Mediocre
Achieving something of value isn’t a popularity contest. It takes courage, belligerence and a thick skin. It’s extremely hard because it’s against the wishes of people who don’t like change. And if you think doing things properly is hard try not doing things properly.
#4. Keep It Simple
Creating yet more complexity doesn’t help. Especially if you plan to make progress. Use [lain language and short sentences. There’s nothing to be gained from adding to the noise. Create simplicity wherever you go. Learn how to explain what matters and why. Master the power of talking straight.
#5. There’s No Work Life Balance
Not if you want to be an entrepreneur. And also there’s no off switch either — this is a full time always on world. Sure you will take breaks but if business is your passion then it‘s not about a 9–5 job it’s about life. You have to weave the work you are passionate about into living your life. When you can do that both are more fulfilling.
#6. Always Be The Alchemist In Room
You have to figure out how to connect stuff up — make something out of nothing. Whatever the task at hand you have to make it happen — if others aren’t coming up with any then use your own imagination. Listen very carefully before proclaiming anything. And then listen some more. Develop your curiosity by learning to notice what others don’t. We only really learn how to learn — by doing.
#7. Develop Your Rapid Processor
Speed defines our age. Waiting can be dangerous but proceeding without thinking can also kill. Find ways to make smart decisions quickly and develop that instinct. When others are debating an issue, start the process of fixing it — but make sure you learn fast too. Break silly rules. If you have to — ask for forgiveness not permission.
#8. If You Want Something Done Ask Busy People
I’m always doing something. I’m never really happy until it’s done. That’s what drives me but I also know my weaknesses. You have to figure your weaknesses out. Then you fill the gaps by working with people more capable than you in that area. The key is understanding the qualities of the people around you. This is how you build your own team. These are people you’re prepared to go through thick and thin with — and for. They are your tribe. A team isn’t always about an individual person but sometimes it is.
#9. The Modern Art of Leverage
This century is known as a networked era for good reason. Fail to make partnerships really work and you may also fail to survive and thrive. You are effectively turning each collaboration you have into a currency. You are creating the meaning of ‘mutual value’. Every meeting you have means new connections — that’s the fuel of the networked economy. And then you look for the ‘good people’. You have to develop that nose.
#10. Cultivate The Speaker Inside You
Being able to lead requires inspiring others. Inspiring others means being able to express your view of the world and the future as you see it. Being able to develop your point of view and being asked for it marks you out and gets you into places you hadn’t thought possible. This has always been a critical discipline for me.
