the best business advice i’ve ever received. part 2

This is excerpted from the prelude of THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS digital book. The full book launches May 12! Pre-order now and get the "True Strengths & The Metrics of Ease" session immediately!

CLICK HERE TO READ PART 1 if you missed it.

Be daring. Be different. Be first.

- Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop

I was co-running The Body Shop Canada’s Department of Social Inventions. The culture was fresh and progressive – the glory days of new social responsibility. Anita was a Tasmanian devil-angel. Daring, different—I had those qualities in spades. But moxy and uniqueness don’t add up to much if you don’t execute. Getting there first changes everything. Everything.

Know your rights.

- Lance Tracey, founder of lots of big companies

Angelina Jolie has this phrase tattooed across the back of her neck. I get it now. When I went through a messy business divorce I was inclined to jump though hoops and meet all the scary demands being hurled at me because surely, “they” must be “right.” Resist submission until you get all the facts.

Follow the money.

- Plenty of people

Old business guys love to throw this adage out. It’s so true. If you can find out who’s making the most money and how, you will solve multiple mysteries.

Create a 'Culture of Yes'

– Steve Rechtshaffener, former CCO of Electronic Arts

Steve is the former CCO for Electronic Arts, one of the leading game developers in the world, so he knows a lot about getting teams to push their creative limits. You need to surround yourself with people who can trust your creative insanity, people who want to get out of the box more than anything. This is not the same as “yes men” this is about audacity. When dreamers unite, they get a lot done.

Bring your femininity to bear.

- Karen Lam, business coach

My very best decisions and strongest maneuvers have been fuelled by what would typically be labeled as feminine characteristics. This counsel may sound like it’s only applicable to 50% of the population, but receptivity, intuitive guidance, tenderness, and fierce inclusivity are transformative powers that anyone can wield. Our future depends on it.

The boss ain't always right. But the boss is always the boss.

- Dennis Laporte, aka, my dad

My first job was selling hot dogs at my old man’s hockey arena. (I made $4.32/hour, which made me enough to keep me in Gypsy jeans and Bonnie Bell lip gloss.) As the boss’ daughter, I took the liberty of uh, like, questioning some of his, like, policies. He had to admire my feistiness, but was quick to state the facts about who was in charge: him. End of conversation. Get back to work.

Conclusion: it’s better to be the boss.

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"If you haven't heard, or you've been on the fence about pre-ordering Danielle LaPorte's FIRE STARTER SESSIONS for entrepreneurs, run, don't walk. You will not be sorry. The first chapter is brilliant and I am sure the rest to come will be. just. as. amazing."
- Nona Jordan, business & life coach

"This chapter is BEAUTY. Your words give me permission to be awesome."
- Sarah Lockey

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INTERVIEWS

Crystal at BigBright Bulb and I talked about how to get a stationery line off the ground in no time flat.

I adore coach Susan Hyatt because she calls me a "bad ass". LISTEN HERE to our power chick chat about making work happen for you. Super energizing.