Why Vulnerability Is Key To Entrepreneurial Success

Being vulnerable and seizing this opportunity allowed me to overcome my fears and recognize my leadership and talent as a CEO. That's not only a great biz lesson, but also a life lesson. And it's one that I'm eternally grateful for.
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For all the "glamour" of being an entrepreneur and the CEO of a fast-growing startup, what's seldom talked about is the vulnerability involved with these roles.

In early 2011, I started my company out of 5x5 walk-in closet, and since then we have experienced multi-million dollar growth and 18 consecutive quarters of profitability.

But, like with many things, our success came at a price.

That price included working non-stop, missing more of my kids' childhood than I'd like, and - not to be ignored - fear. By that I mean, the fear that anyone can start a business, but also the fear of wondering can I stay in business?

To continue its rapid growth, AE Marketing Group needed a lifeline, and I thought I found it in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

But I would soon learn it wasn't the company that needed the lifeline, but me.

My fellow business owners (30 total) who made up GS10KSB Cohort 12 will tell you that I love to talk. But what they didn't know about me is that I'm also incredibly shy and private.

Yes, I have a large social network, but also few close friends. Even fewer who have started a business and understand the complexity (and pressure) of that decision.

I am comfortable speaking to huge crowds about brand, CoCreation or philanthropy, another passion of mine. But to share my own risks, insecurities and financials with a group of 30 people I don't know was far outside my comfort zone.

In order to succeed in GS10KSB Program, however, I knew I had to be vulnerable, trust strangers and, on some days, trust an unfamiliar process in order to advance my personal and business growth.

I decided after the orientation kickoff that I was "all in," and it turned out to be the best decision that I've made this year.

OK, well, maybe it was No. 2 behind going to the Monaco Grand Prix :)

What the GS10KSB did was crystalize the knowledge that beyond purpose and profit, which our company has consistently demonstrated, we need process (and the right people) in order to scale, drive epic customer value and continue our explosive growth towards $5M.

I'm often asked about the GS10KSB and describe it as entrepreneurial boot camp. We were beaten down and built back up, stronger than ever. Armed with knowledge, resources, alumni and new friends - we can reach our potential, build our businesses and impact the community.

Being vulnerable and seizing this opportunity allowed me to overcome my fears and recognize my leadership and talent as a CEO. That's not only a great biz lesson, but also a life lesson. And it's one that I'm eternally grateful for.

Brian Walker is the Founder and CEO of AE Marketing Group.

Brian graduated from Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program. Goldman Sachs is a partner of the What Is Working: Small Businesses section.

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