I am now focused on tripling the turnover of my business, restructuring the delivery side to be more efficient and effective and putting key people in place so I may truly become a business owner and not just an operator…
My Name is Pat Ikonomidis.
I am an architect in Melbourne. Our clients typically include Builders, Developers & Investors in the residential sector looking to create Multi Dwelling or apartment developments. We assist with providing designs that offer creative solutions to sites that allows their full potential to be explored.
I was at a crossroad with my business. It was completely reliant on me for all decisions moving through the office. I was struggling with delegation / trust of team members and feared hiring more people as it was only adding more work for me. I worked 60 hours per week, seven days per week and constantly felt exhausted. It was at a point that something had to change as the status quo was not sustainable.I knew where I wanted my business to be but year after year I was stuck in the grind and not able to implement the changes.
I was initially concerned about the investment in both time and money that the program would take – especially if it turned out not to be productive or not to achieve its aims.
I was concerned about the kind of advice I would receive and if in fact it would resonate with me.
I was also concerned about the lack of a structured curriculum for the whole program from the onset.
Although we touched on plenty of business-related topics throughout the year, my biggest breakthroughs occurred on me personally both as a leader, a person and on my mindset.
I now have an altered sense of identity. Some of the restrictions I had been placing on myself have been lifted. I have rediscovered my drive and energy for my business and see it as a vehicle to achieve my goals rather than a ball and chain to be burdened with.
The ideas and initiatives are now coming from within, rather than looking for a magic bullet. As a result, my goals have expanded and I feel I am making decisions from a higher place. Importantly the relationships with all the people around me have improved. I no longer see my team members as a necessary but annoying and draining “cog” in the machine of my business. I now truly appreciate them and the value that they bring to the table. They are assets and not liabilities.
Not only have I been exposed to systems that have given me a confidence in being able to attract work despite outside circumstances, I have come to understand what my role truly is in the business, being a strategic thinker, not just a person who is busy working.
I am energised to listen to books again, sparking thoughts and creative ideas. My health, diet and wellbeing are prioritised, and I have learned an important lesson that I need to slow down in order to speed up.
I have enjoyed looking at business from a completely different point of view. It has opened my eyes to a world that was previously foreign to me and at times uncomfortable, but I am glad that I went on the journey.
I am now focused on tripling the turnover of my business, restructuring the delivery side to be more efficient and effective and putting key people in place so I may truly become a business owner and not just an operator.
I would have to say that I would totally recommend Johan (or Yoda as he is lovingly referred to in my household). Business owners stuck in a rut, wearing all the hats, and not able to make the necessary breakthroughs in their business would benefit the most.
All the initial reservations I had in stepping into the programme have long disappeared and I am very grateful for all the guidance and growth Johan has caused me to experience.