This week the NextHorizon Coaching in AI era– workshop series with entrepreneur coach Colin Brown continued to offer valuable insights for startups and entrepreneurs. The third and fourth sessions zoomed in on two critical areas for business success: building the right team and making effective decisions. Here’s a closer look at what we learned and experienced in these interactive workshops.
Finding and Keeping the Right People
One of the core themes in workshop part 3 was the importance of assembling a team with the right people—those who are smart, motivated, and bring relevant expertise to the table. But it’s not just about individual skills; it’s about how people relate to one another. Colin Brown described the company as a “little city,” where every team member has a defined place and role with clear lines to guide them.
Diversity was highlighted as a crucial factor. A team made up of similar personalities tends to see challenges through the same lens, which limits innovation and problem-solving. To thrive, startups need a mix of characters, each offering unique viewpoints and skills.
Another key point was the importance of a strong feedback culture. Colin stressed the importance of giving feedback regularly—both positive and constructive. Additionally, feedback should flow both ways— you’re more likely to receive valuable feedback if you actively provide it to others.
Decision-Making: Mechanisms and Mastery
Workshop part 4 turned the spotlight on decision-making, exploring how leaders can make faster, better choices.
One of the most crucial lessons was understanding that sometimes it’s better to pivot—recognizing harsh realities and swiftly changing course can lead to greater success. Many companies wait too long to pivot, risking failure, while others pivot frequently, adapting to market changes and seizing new opportunities.
Real-world examples helped illustrate this, with stories of Instagram starting as a filter app and YouTube as a dating site before finding their true paths. Some startups are lucky to hit the right idea early while others discover it through trial and error.
The session also gave participants time to work on their Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and engage in discussions with fellow entrepreneurs.These conversations helped sharpen understanding of who to serve and how to tailor products accordingly. It emphasized that you can’t sell to everyone; identifying and focusing on a specific ideal customer is crucial for success.
Moving Forward with Confidence
These sessions highlighted that while a great idea is essential, the journey to success involves much more. It’s about building a strong network of the right people, understanding your market deeply, and being flexible enough to change direction when necessary. The ability to pivot, adapt, and refine your approach can make all the difference in turning a good idea into a thriving business.
Built by Design
From assembling the right team to making bold, informed decisions, these workshops have shown that thriving startups don’t happen by chance—they’re shaped with intention, clarity, and action. Colin Brown’s approach isn’t just about theory; it’s about building something real, step by step.
If you’re serious about growing your venture, there’s no need to wait for the next session. Colin works directly with founders and teams who are ready to take the next leap. Whether you missed the workshops or want to dive deeper, don’t hesitate to reach out. The journey to building something extraordinary often starts with a single conversation.
