As I sat at the Auckland Business Awards last week, seeing so many businesses thrive in what has been a challenging year for many was inspiring. What stood out to me wasn’t just their success but how they had achieved it—by challenging the norms, innovating, and looking for growth beyond traditional boundaries. These are the businesses that aren’t afraid to disrupt the status quo, and it got me thinking about how essential it is for leaders to challenge traditions in their own lives and work.

Growth Mindset and Risk: The Foundation for Innovation

When it comes to challenging traditions in business, everything starts with a growth mindset. Many business owners get stuck in a cycle of doing things the same way because “that’s how it’s always been done.” But as the saying goes, doing what you’ve always done will get you the same results.

A great place to start is simply reflecting on what tasks you tend to put off. Are you spending too much time working “in” your business instead of “on” it? Identifying these patterns can help you pinpoint areas where you can innovate and push boundaries.

Risk is another critical factor. Coming from a finance background and having sold a cutting-edge tech business, I know that risk differs for everyone. But over time, I’ve developed a more significant risk appetite. Trusting my gut, learning from failures, and being okay with those failures have allowed me to take risks I wouldn’t have considered earlier in my career. Some of the best lessons come from failing first. That’s where the real growth happens.

Of course, it helps to have a strong support network—you’re often said to be the sum of the five people you surround yourself with. Those who encourage, challenge, and push you to step outside your comfort zone are invaluable when breaking the norm.

Co-Petition Over Competition: The Power of Collaboration

Collaboration over competition is another key to success, especially in times of challenge. I firmly believe in co-petition—working alongside businesses in the same industry to share knowledge and resources rather than fighting over market share. Recently, I’ve had several meetings with fellow corporate trainers and business coaches, and we’ve been exploring ways to collaborate and better serve the community. It’s been an exciting process, and I look forward to announcing some of these co-labs soon.

Sustainability: A Growing Priority for Businesses

In today’s business landscape, sustainability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The companies I see thriving in this space are the ones that balance the cost with the long-term benefits. I recently heard a fantastic story at a Spark event about Anew, a New Zealand water bottle company that’s made a massive impact on sustainability. Their blue bottles symbolise change, showing that even small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference.

Kiwi businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, but it’s not without its challenges. There’s always a delicate balance between cost and benefit—however, the more businesses that take this leap, the more significant the impact. If you’re unsure where to start with sustainability, don’t worry—every step counts.

Practical Advice for Business Leaders

– Start with a growth mindset. Ask yourself where you feel stuck or stagnant and look for innovative opportunities. A SWOT analysis can help you identify areas for growth.
– Be comfortable with discomfort. Growth comes from stepping into the unknown and taking risks. Trust your gut, and be okay with failure. It’s all part of the learning process.
– Surround yourself with the right people. Build a strong support network of people who will challenge you, push you to grow, and keep you grounded.
– Embrace co-petition. Look for ways to collaborate with others in your industry rather than competing. Sharing resources and knowledge benefits everyone.
– Don’t ignore sustainability. Start small, but start. Even the most minor steps toward sustainability can lead to significant positive changes.

Conclusion

Challenging traditions, whether in life or business, is essential for growth. It’s not always easy, but we find the most significant opportunities for success in those moments of discomfort. Whether it’s breaking away from the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset or finding new ways to collaborate with others, challenging the status quo is how we innovate and grow.

It’s about being brave, embracing risk, and trusting that amazing things can happen when you step outside the box.