RE3EL STANCE

There are a lot of “pop entrepreneurs” out there and this blog has even focused on some of them. Richard Branson is a celebrity the likes of the biggest actors or athletes in the world and many of the others I have profiled have been splashed on the front of newspapers and magazines. Yet, the great thing about all of those entrepreneurs I have profiled so far is that they are all humble and many of them could well prove the importance of humility. But, as I think about humility I’m reminded of a certain entrepreneur that is more quietly going about changing the world…Jonathan Bush, Founder and CEO of Athena Health.

Okay, so Jonathan has been profiled on the front cover of Inc. wearing a super hero costume. And, sure, he has earned praise and press from a number of different publications. And, sure, his brother is Billy Bush (host of Access Hollywood). Well, and, yes, his cousin is the very guy that is “leading” this country (I’ll save my own political opinions, but there aren’t quotes around leading on accident). But, despite all of that and all the opportunities for vanity, Jonathan Bush has quietly led Athena Health to one of the most high performing IPO’s of the last few years by changing the broken game of medical care in this country.

It’s important to this story that I do know Jonathan and I have had the pleasure of spending time with him and watching the meteoric rise of his company. My wife worked for him directly and there were certainly some interesting entrepreneurial conversations with him from the minute that we first chatted. And, it’s equally important to know that I’ve rarely met people more excited to go to work than I did meeting the people that have helped Athena Health take off.

So, Jonathan Bush…here’s a guy that has built a company that has enabled him to never have to work again. Here’s a guy that went to the best schools and has the best connections. Here’s a guy that has raised unthinkable amounts of VC money and spends his day answering to the worst boss of them all…Wall Street.

But, here’s a guy that parks cars at the company picnic. Here’s a guy that shows up to play on the company’s soccer team and works harder than nearly every person on the field. Here’s a guy that talks and listens to everybody regardless of status or stature.

The point isn’t that Jonathan Bush is humble despite having built such a successful, high profile company. No, the point is that Jonathan Bush has built such a successful, high profile company because he is humble. He has rolled up his sleeves and pushed through the obstacles alongside his team rather than standing up at an ivory tower yelling out commands. He has taken the time talk to each of the employees at his company rather than locking himself off in the executive wing. And, if you were to meet him for the first time, there would be no mention of his stature as the head of one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S.

For a rich guy, he doesn’t act rich. For a smart guy, he doesn’t confuse his message with grand vision speeches. For a successful guy, he doesn’t flaunt his title or his rule. And, that’s the very reason why he’ll continue to grow richer, smarter and more successful.

So, as you begin to grow your company, it’s as simple as this…don’t become an asshole. Don’t start thinking you are better than those who work for you because you aren’t. Don’t think you are more entitled to those around you because you aren’t. And, remember these keys:

Remember who works for who: I know it’s tough to realize but your team doesn’t work for you. Instead, as the entrepreneur you work for your team…it’s your job to give them the tools and knowledge they need and get out of their way to flourish

Stay involved: don’t just okay the bill for the company softball team’s uniforms…play on the dang team and play hard; you’ll learn so much about the company and the people that make it up if you do

Don’t flaunt yourself: Earn respect for your talent, your vision and your passion rather than your title

Remember you/your company can always be better: I guarantee that nobody that reads this blog will own the largest or best company on the planet. And, the minute you start thinking you’re the best, you’ll make it harder on yourself to be so. Have confidence but know when it crosses the line.

Recognize privilege: Remember, that it’s a privilege to lead a team and create a company. Be respectful of that privilege and the people that trust that you are the person to lead.

Don’t be a jerk: Nobody likes a jerk. Sure, there are great companies that have been built by jerks but people put up with a jerk boss or owner far less than they used to.

Don’t believe the hype: Keep perspective when people praise you as much as you do so when people ridicule you. In the end, somewhere in-between is probably the most accurate.

Stay balanced: When you work around the clock it’s difficult to remember that the world doesn’t revolve around your business and your business doesn’t revolve around you. Get away. Have a life.

So, be cool and remember to get that uniform dirty when you are sliding into first base running out that bunt in the bottom of the ninth…after all, it’s a lot easier (and cheaper) to clean your uniform than to hire a bunch of consultants to tell you that people aren’t working for you because you lost their respect.