For more than three decades, Jay Winkler has worked with many smart and talented people and served as a leader at family-owned, privately held, and private equity-backed companies in manufacturing, non-profit, communications, consulting, consumer products, education, technology, business services, and globalization. He has started factories around the world, launched businesses, succeeded in turning around distressed ones, and helped others prosper, transition, or sell.
Jay spent nearly 20 years of his career leading and expanding the family manufacturing business where he went from working on the shop floor to becoming CEO with stops along the way overseeing the finances and operations of the company.
Jay is now a “business wingman” for company leaders and owners. Through his advisory firm, Brave Lion Group, he combines his network of highly accomplished and thoughtful professionals with his own skills and experience to help develop businesses, offer great insights to clients, collaborate, build relationships, and solve problems.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode emphasizes that success is not a solo journey. By listening, staying open-minded, and leveraging both your network and others’, you can solve problems faster and create meaningful growth. Networking, when done right, truly becomes a superpower.
In this Episode, We Discuss:
- The Power of Networking
- Embracing Failure and Building Resilience
- Exploring Near-Shoring Opportunities
- Optimizing Business Operations and Fundraising
Conversation Takeaways
- Networking is a superpower that offers valuable resources and solutions to business challenges. Building a strong, selfless network is essential, as shared experiences can create instant trust and rapport. Successful leaders know the value of curiosity and asking great questions, rather than having all the answers.
- Failures and setbacks provide valuable lessons and growth opportunities when approached with the right mindset. Resilience is crucial for business leaders to bounce back from tough situations. Learning from others who have overcome challenges can help build resilience and avoid repeating mistakes.
- Near-shoring, or moving production closer to the target market, offers benefits like cost savings, risk reduction, and revenue growth. Assessing near-shoring in Mexico needs a boots-on-the-ground approach and a strong local network. The evolving landscape, with companies like China setting up operations in Mexico, underscores the importance of staying informed about global trends.
- Allocating time to “work on the business,” not just “in the business,” is crucial for long-term growth. Leveraging your network and expertise is valuable when seeking capital from private equity or other sources. A clear strategy and value proposition are key for raising funds and making operational improvements.
Quote to Remember
“If you’re a leader that is trying to collect all the information that you possibly can, to make a decision – the best way to get information is to listen and ask questions and distill that information out.” – Jay Winkler
Light Bulb Moments – Episode 46
Networking Is A Superpower with Jay Winkler
The Light Bulb Moment of This Episode
Growth begins when you recognize you don’t have all the answers. By listening, leveraging relationships, and focusing your energy on solving key problems, you unlock the true power of your network.
Light Bulb Moments & Reflections from the Episode
- Recognize that you are not unique.
Others have faced similar challenges—learn from them.
- Listen to people who know more or know differently.
Growth comes from understanding new perspectives.
- Be resilient.
Keep pushing forward through challenges and uncertainty.
- Work on your business, not just in it.
Strategic thinking is critical for long-term success.
- Identify your biggest pain point.
Understand what is holding your business back the most.
- Focus your energy on solving that problem.
Prioritize what matters most to drive meaningful progress.
- Find the best people to help solve challenges.
Expertise accelerates solutions.
- Leverage external resources when needed.
Use outside help to strengthen and grow your business.
- Aim for the “triple win.”
Increase revenue, decrease risk, and reduce costs.
- Use and share networks.
Strong networks create opportunities for everyone involved.
- Avoid closed-minded connections.
Surround yourself with people willing to collaborate and share.
Connect with Jay Winkler:
Website: https://www.braveliongrp.com/