In the journey to becoming CEO of Kickstarter, Everette Taylor attributes his success to a stroke of luck. This is a remarkable accomplishment considering his early years of grappling with homelessness and striving to make ends meet in his youth. He dropped out of college, yet his determination led him to found an event marketing startup. After selling the company, he secured a position as VP of Marketing at another startup. Building on these experiences, Taylor delved into serial entrepreneurship and marketing strategy, ultimately acquiring the top leadership role at Kickstarter in September 2022. He acknowledges empathy and risk-taking as the two vital soft skills that guided him along this path.
When asked about his journey, Taylor states, “I’m motivated by taking risks. Empathy is the key to leading me to where I am today.”
Let’s explore why Taylor believes risk-taking and empathy are critical skills and how you can develop these qualities.
‘Every failure is a part of the puzzle’
As a child, Taylor’s fearlessness was recognized by his mother. As an adult, he approaches risk in a more calculated manner. Taylor explains, “I analyze the potential outcomes of different paths before making decisions. I have a higher appetite for risk because I understand that to make a positive impact on the world and those around me, I need to take chances.”
Taylor recently implemented a four-day workweek for Kickstarter employees, a bold move that comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Studies have shown that it can enhance productivity and employee morale. However, it may lead to challenges in time management, scheduling conflicts, and burnout, as mentioned by Boston University organizational psychologist Constance Hadley. Fortunately, Taylor reports that the four-day workweek has been successful for Kickstarter.
Although Taylor acknowledges the importance of taking risks, he emphasizes that some risks are not worth pursuing. He regrets his involvement in selling drugs as a teenager. His mother’s intervention and insistence on finding legitimate work prevented him from facing potential imprisonment. This experience taught him that embracing failures is necessary to overcome the fear of taking risks.
Taylor explains, “Every failure contributes to the larger picture that constitutes your life. Instead of dwelling on potential negative outcomes, it’s better to have an optimistic mindset. There will always be other opportunities and jobs waiting for you. So why not go for them when the chance arises?”
Empathy is an ‘essential skill set’
Taylor, drawing from his childhood experiences, emphasizes the importance of approaching all situations with empathy, both personally and professionally. He believes that putting oneself in the shoes of customers or potential customers is a crucial skill for marketers. Additionally, as a leader, having empathy towards employees and colleagues is equally vital.
Taylor emphasizes that individuals are more than just their work. When an employee or client faces a family emergency, Taylor’s foremost message is that he cares. Effective communication, genuine concern, and fostering personal growth and empowerment are all essential in becoming a better leader. These qualities have played a significant role in Taylor’s journey to success.
Cultivating empathy starts with expressing genuine curiosity about others, actively asking questions, and attentively listening to their responses. Psychologist Daniel Goleman advises, “Listen not only to the words being said but also to the emotions behind them. Respond appropriately, showing that you understand or offering helpful comments.” While one conversation may not immediately boost empathy, consistently practicing curiosity and active listening will improve one’s ability to understand and empathize with others.
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