Matt Tait: How Can Entrepreneurs Adapt to Thrive?

21st Century Entrepreneurship

Matt Tait is on a mission to make entrepreneurship more manageable. We spoke about how adaptability, intentional leadership, and leveraging technology are key to running and growing a successful business in today’s ever-changing landscape.

Drawing from his journey—from being a "recovering attorney" to leading Decimal, a tech-driven accounting company—Matt shared lessons learned from his winding entrepreneurial path. His upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs shaped his vision, but it was his failures and pivots, like running a restaurant tech company that “was a good idea but a terrible business,” that taught him resilience.

We discussed the importance of adaptability, which Matt describes as "the number one characteristic of successful entrepreneurs." From recognizing personal weaknesses to building a complementary team, Matt emphasized that "you can't grow if you can't see what you need to improve." He also stressed the power of investing in a coach, saying, "A paid coach will give you that hard advice and reflection you need to understand where to grow."

Key Takeaways:

1. Adaptability is Essential: Entrepreneurs must embrace change, whether in scaling operations, managing a growing team, or integrating new technologies. "You have to admit you can't do it all," Matt explains.
2. Self-Care Fuels Success: Matt’s daily routine of meditation and exercise supports his mental and physical health, enabling him to lead effectively. "Figure out what works for you," he advises, "and allow it to adapt as life changes."
3. Build a Support Network: Loneliness in leadership is real. Matt encourages finding a peer group and investing in a coach to navigate challenges and maintain perspective.
4. Lead with Intention: In a remote-first culture, leadership requires extra effort to build connections and foster growth. "Every employee is an island; it's our job to build bridges," Matt says.

Through humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom, Matt reveals what it takes to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship while staying true to your mission. Whether you're scaling your business or reflecting on how to improve as a leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive.

Explore Matt's journey and connect with his content on LinkedIn or through After the First Million podcast.