We are so proud to be awarded by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the US for 2017. To become a fast growing company, one key ingredient is innovation. In addition, you must love what you do and be passionate about it. My passion? I always believe in encouraging a fun and fit life style for kids, adults and for the entire family.
Some insights from why we received this award include: I look at what the world wants and needs as well as listen to the market to connect with customers. The breakthrough point for me was sealing a licensing agreement with Disney. Disney is a good quality brand with fantastic marketing, so we were able to mutually grow together. Learning from mistakes must be perceived as a very important opportunity to be better, allowing us to continually make the riding experience awesome. I also enjoy the privilege of working with an amazing team. Together, we strive to provide WOW products to kids and adults globally.
These are some of my thoughts on becoming a successful leader in an organization:
- Believe in yourself. Doubt is your biggest enemy. As an immigrant, English is not my first language, so I felt that there is always a language barrier, but I was wrong. The biggest barrier is doubting yourself, so the more afraid you are, the more barriers you’ll build between people, ideas, and new opportunities. Because of doubt, there is high possibility of missing the greatest ideas that can be explored one day. So, dream big, have a clear vision for it, and you will get there.
- Don’t get your ideas blocked by someone who doesn’t believe them. Instead of working around it, tune it and get feedback until it works. I discovered that my strength is that I have a lot of creative ideas. When you get ideas, jotting your ideas down and get feedback from friends, family and colleagues. Don’t be afraid that people will take your ideas; they can only help you to think about them better. You will be surprised that you can get such valuable feedback from others. If they are good ideas, expand them. I like to write everything down on a notepad and then put them into Power Point as an organized business plan. Once your business plan is finalized, and make it happen.
- In closing, one more thought on growth and leadership, continue to improve yourself: improve yourself by reading, continued education, and going to seminars to get inspired.
Melody Hsieh-Hornstra, CEO/ President