Remembering you Why
This past weekend, I flew from Thailand to Arizona just in time to be at a small event for a select group of clients. Amidst the setup orchestrated by my staff, I couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of remembering your why.
Quick answer: Why is it important for business leaders to remember why they started?
Because as a company grows, it's easy to start seeing clients as numbers on a board instead of people with real problems. I didn't start Elite CEOs for profit. I remember starting out with zero funds, and I saw that same desperation in others. Hearing client stories at our event in Arizona reminded me of that, and leaders need that reminder.
- I flew from Thailand to Arizona for a small event with handpicked clients.
- Clients shared real stakes: living in a car, needing income to see a child, supporting family.
- I didn't start Elite CEOs for profit; I was already doing well as an online trainer.
- My biggest fear is that Elite CEOs isn't strong enough to help clients make money.
- As organizations grow, leaders forget the people they serve have personal problems.
“I couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of remembering your why.”
As people went I related to the stories they shared:
- Someone was living in their car to work with us. They paid us money instead of paying rent.
- Another needed more money to be able to see their child
- Others felt pressure to provide for their family
- Others just wanted more time with their kids
- Some wanted to prove to their parents they were good enough
As I heard each story memories flooded back to my days just starting out with zero funds, lots of tears, but a whole lot of hope.
Remembering you Why: My biggest fear
At the end when it was my turn I just said that my biggest fear is that (one of my companies) Elite CEOs isn’t good enough to help them make money. I never started it to make more money, I was already crushing as an online trainer. I started it because I recognized the same desperation in others, that I had inside myself.
It brought me to tears to hear and listen to others stories and know how bad it can hurt to be all alone on a tremendously difficult journey. When I was there I was so frustrated, alone, and scared.
One of the hardest things to do
I am not a perfect person and running a large organization is one of the hardest things to do as you have to balance books, people, clients, and constantly make high pressure decision’s.
Whatever you may think of me I hope in some small way I have or can make an impact to just help you. Sometimes you get so far out and so big of team, you forget the people you are helping are real and have real life challenges.
Remembering you Why: Conclusion
Sometimes as CEO you just see numbers and strategy like a chess board, instead of humans with problems and dreams just like you. Anyways if you’re a person in a position of power please just do your best to help others.
I know how hard it is to think of others and also run a business at a high level. There’s all kinds of bs behind the scenes and tough decisions that have to be made, but at the end of the day we just have to remember why we started this stuff in the first place.
Much love
T
Frequently asked questions
Why did Tanner Chidester start Elite CEOs?
Not for the money. I was already doing well as an online trainer. I started it because I saw the same desperation in other people that I felt early on, when I had zero funds, cried a lot and was still holding onto hope. I wanted to help people get out of that.
What is the hardest part of leading a growing company?
Keeping it human. Running a large organization means juggling finances, people and clients while making high stakes decisions. The danger is you start seeing the work as numbers and strategy, like pieces on a board, and forget the people you serve have real problems and dreams. You have to pull yourself back to why you started.
How can a CEO balance compassion with running a profitable business?
It isn't easy. There are politics and tough decisions that come with any company. But if you're in a position of power, make a real effort to help people. Remember why you started, listen to your clients' stories, and let that guide the hard calls instead of only the spreadsheet.
Why do coaching clients invest in business programs when money is tight?
Because the stakes are personal. At our event, clients shared why they were there. One lived in their car and paid us instead of rent. Others needed more income to see their child, felt pressure to support their families, wanted more time with their kids, or wanted to prove to their parents they were enough.
