Adopting a beginner’s mindset and sense of curiosity is a good place to start. Recognising that we are never the finished product I am always striving to surround myself by those more talented than me and those who inspire me to be better. That can take the form of informal mentors / advisors as well as peer communities of entrepreneurs to share experiences and learn from. Also being open to feedback and creating opportunities for colleagues to share openly, whether it be in a 121 or through a regular semi-structured feedback process is a great way of addressing any blind spots.
Rajeeb Dey MBE
Founder & CEO, Learnerbly
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I think with the job I do, ensuring I “keep learning” is pretty much the easiest thing there is. I would struggle not to “keep learning”. Personally, I find that most of my learnings in life came from doing, and running a startup is the ultimate doing. Every day you are right in the middle of things, solving problems, making decisions (often the wrong ones!), and getting stuck in the details.
The best way to learn is to surround yourself of people who are smarter than you, and to put yourself in uncomfortable situation that keep you on your toes. These two things are also pretty much unavoidable if you want to have any success at all in building a startup, so I would say that my job is pretty much a continuous learning opportunity every day 😊
Nicolò Frisiani
Co-founder & CEO, Lupa Pets
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This question resonates with anyone navigating the ever-shifting landscapes of business and technology. The answer, while multifaceted, boils down to embracing a continuous cycle of learning, adapting, and growing.
Learning isn’t always comfortable. It involves pain, achievement, failure, and experimentation – a constant push and pull between the known and the unknown. But true improvement hinges on embracing these often uncomfortable aspects. In today’s rapidly changing environment, doing new things demands constant learning and development. Building new products, breaking into new markets, and leading teams all require a willingness to learn, test hypotheses, gather feedback, and adapt.
The idea that “to learn is to live” is very clichéd, but it rings true for those driving innovation. When building new ventures, creating markets, and leading teams, learning and improvement aren’t optional – they’re essential for survival.
Learning is less about formal education and more about adopting a mindset of exploration and inquiry. It’s about gleaning insights from everyday interactions – with customers, colleagues, advisors, and even family and friends. It’s about actively seeking knowledge, acting as both explorer and researcher, absorbing data from every available source and aggressively filtering it to see what’s valuable and what works. We need to simultaneously manifest both Sherlock Holmes and Indiana Jones.
Cultivating a network of trusted advisors with diverse experience can significantly accelerate this process. Their insights can help you avoid common pitfalls and focus on exploring new frontiers. It’s about understanding the “why” behind success stories, not just accepting polished narratives at face value.
In the age of readily available AI tools, information is abundant. However, effective learning for leadership and innovation requires more than just surface-level knowledge. It demands deep dives, unearthing insights and reflections that can truly make a difference in solving complex problems.
Ultimately, continuous learning is the cornerstone of effective leadership and innovation. It’s about embracing discomfort, actively seeking knowledge, and constantly refining your approach in the pursuit of growth and impact.
Steve Randall
Co-founder & CEO, Pimloc
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I believe great leaders and innovators never settle. They stay curious, challenge the status quo, and surround themselves with people who think differently. As Revving scales, I prioritise learning from every experience and seek mentors with firsthand experience overcoming similar challenges. They share their successes and failures, offering viewpoints that support my growth. I’m a big believer in learning by doing. Progress over perfection every time!
Chris Pettit
Founder & CEO, Revving
