My (new) Life as an Advisor

After selling my company, I had a certain non-competition period that ended this summer. I have used that time to recreate, to have fun, doing some “home”work, but also planning the future. Something I always wanted to do was to share what I have learned as founder and entrepreneur. I believe it’s very beneficial for young(er) leaders to hear what worked and more importantly what failed and consider that for the own decision making. Right now I’m an advisor for 3 companies and it’s a very rewarding mission for me.

The greatest reward is that discussions and brainstorming is without any politics or hidden agendas. The advisor is there to:

• Point to new technology trends that could be added to products
• Provide feedback on roadmaps, development processes, and customer requirements
• Utilize the own network of people to support the company in their growth plans
• Give insights on markets and new opportunities
• Sharpen the go-to-market messages and plans
• Help to improve pricing schemes
• … and whatever comes up to support the company.

The discussions I have experienced so far are a great team experience and I’m grateful having made this step. A closing thought on the target group – who should have a board of advisors? I’d say: the egoless and empathic leaders only. Well, usually there’s no leader without a certain ego. Otherwise they wouldn’t probably be leaders. I believe, however, that leaders are only good leaders if they are empathic to their team, their customers, and their peers. <sarcasm>All others know everything better and don’t need any help.</sarcasm>