@Koia and @HappyPop are testaments to her tenacity, imagination, and ingenuity.
She is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recognized serial consumer packaged goods (CPG) entrepreneur who has led as the co-founder of two forward-thinking and impactful companies.
Maya French is an influential leader with a resume like no other.
Beyond creating extraordinary beverages with crave-able tastes and healthy ingredients, she is also a phenomenal person wixth incredible insights to share.
I had the pleasure and honor of talking through these insights with her.
Here are the biggest takeaways I’m still thinking over:
Know When To Say “No”
In our time together, Ms. French shared that when she asks herself how she can be better, she wrestles with the areas she believes she is lacking.
This engages her constant leveling-up process and clarifies the nuances required to get there. The biggest one is finding the time and attention needed to dedicate her efforts to a concentrated approach that will get her where she wants to be five or fifteen years later.
In “Knowing When To Say No,” she shifts her strengths from other people's visions and dreams to the goals that get her up every morning.
This is a necessary skill when living in a world that begs for your attention, pulls you every which way, and leaves you with a list of “to-do’s” longer than the Era’s Tour merchandise line.
Be present in the moment, and then “Know When To Say No.”
Have A Fear Of Taking The Back Seat
Mindsets can be stubborn; many people follow the same model and get unimpressive results.
It's good to know you do not “have to” guide to the playbook; getting out of your comfort zone is ok. See, it's not the John Does of the world who are making an impact or calling shots, but those who embrace change and make it happen. It also isn't the prideful.
When a leader steps up, a part of them has to give way and humble itself in the face of uncertainty.
When challenges come, they don’t tell themselves stories of half-truths or trick themselves out of doing what they really need to do. No, they regroup, think profoundly and appropriately, then do it.
Leaders and industry pioneers fear taking the back seat. You should, too.
Speak From A Tone Of “We” Instead Of “I”
It takes a village. Recognize that and work from there.
When leading, realize that there will be times when someone else is better suited for the job or that you need help taking the project to the next rung of excellence.
When a company's mission isn't about “your” profit but about “our” betterment, the entire structure is re-centered on something bigger than itself.
Speaking from a tone of “we” instead of “I” takes an “idea” and makes it something to live for. We’re all in this together, right?
Start talking like it and speak from a tone of “we” instead of “I.”
Do Not Shy From Saying, “I’m Proud Of You”
You may never know the power of telling someone you are proud of them…
We all want someone to say we are doing well, that the effort is worth it, and that they are “Proud of us.” Yet, most of the time, we don't realize we could easily be the ones to facilitate this for others.
We could be the heralds of happiness, the ushers of joy and confidence to those around us, by becoming the ones who don't shy away from telling them how proud we are. Imagine that?
(This one hits me the hardest. It’s how the interview ended, and it's been on my mind almost every day since I heard it)
---
Step back and reorganize.
This week, say “no” to what you need to.
Fear taking the back seat and instead get after it.
Reorient your visions and speak from a tone of “we” instead of “I.” Give your village something more significant to live for.
When doing all these things, pinpoint where your appreciation lies and ask yourself who you are proud of.
Tell them before today ends.
(Here is another shout-out to Ms. Maya French and her amazing work!)
Making The Most Of Being Curious
-Daniel Cuesta
P.S. I am proud of you. No matter who you are or what you have done. Know there is someone out there rooting for you who believes you are made for great things.
---
Want to learn more about Maya French, her CPG endeavors, or her tasteful companies? Check out the links below:
Maya French | Forbes 30 Under 30: https://www.forbes.com/profile/maya-french/
How Maya French Is Driving Innovation: https://www.forbes.com/video/6209205095001/how-maya-french-is-driving-innovation/
Comments