One thing that has served me exceptionally well over the years is my ability to be good at a lot of different things while mastering nothing at all. While this may sound like a shot, I’ve no shame in this admission and I’m actually quite proud of it. Being a well-rounded, curious, and fearless generalist allows me to roll up my sleeves and get involved competently in pretty much everything I do in life and business without always obsessing about intricate details or getting pigeon-holed. I’m also smart and confident enough to know when I’m over my head and require support in any area, and I have no fear of being the dumbest guy in the room.

Far from being a detriment to my entrepreneurial aspirations, the ability to proficiently wear a multitude of hats has been one of the underlying keys to my success. It allows me to constantly acquire new skills and hone pre-existing ones while staying connected to all facets of the business. It also allows me to understand my strengths, weaknesses, and desires to help identify and prioritize next steps. Building a start-up can be an eternal slog after all and being able to competently plug holes until the company starts living organically within revenues is an essential asset.

Wearing multiple hats has also made my life far more interesting. Instead of focusing in one niche box of expertise with a narrow view, my morning task list is filled with a wide range of activities and responsibilities that I can seamlessly dance between without stumbling over my feet and face-planting. The flexibility and agility gained through having a full picture of the business also allow me to anticipate changing landscapes and adapt rapidly. Being an owner of two aviation businesses at the onset of the global pandemic would have been a fatal blow to many. Despite being equipped with unwavering confidence, I remember the deep despair I felt early on, not only because of the dire trajectory of the pandemic and uncertainty of the market, but also because my own legacy was tied to two companies in the worst-possible field at the worst-possible time. So after wallowing in self-pity for a few weeks and barely showering and putting bourbon on my Corn Flakes, I pulled my big-boy pants off the floor and helped steer both pivots. This would not be possible without being agile and having a well-rounded view of the businesses, being able to fill holes, and having great partners. Both companies are far stronger today than they were in 2020 and both are poised for growth.

Like many entrepreneurs, time management and work-life boundaries are my kryptonites, and I admit that I struggle to achieve the right balance despite conscious efforts to do so. And while this might sound like a horrible contradiction against everything else in this post, the goal at this stage in my life is to delegate or eliminate the things that no longer stimulate me or provide benefit and to focus my knowledge and expertise in key areas. The jack of all trades is now looking to master one or a few.

And such is the focus of my introspective 42clicks journey: to find the next me, the better me, the simpler me, the happier me, the most balanced version of me possible within the context of who I already am.