

When The Company You Build Almost Fails
9 snips Jan 15, 2025
Luvvie Ajayi Jones, a four-time New York Times bestselling author and public speaker, opens up about her struggles as an entrepreneur. She candidly discusses a challenging year that nearly led her company to bankruptcy, emphasizing the toll it took on her mental health. The conversation touches on the importance of authenticity, navigating anxiety during public speaking, and the role of transparency in leadership. Jones highlights how embracing fear and failure can foster growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
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Near Bankruptcy
- Luvvie Ajayi Jones, a four-time NYT bestselling author and speaker, faced a near-bankruptcy experience in 2023.
- Her company, reliant on her personal brand, saw revenue streams dry up due to team inefficiencies.
Diversification Goal
- Luvvie aimed to diversify her business model, reducing reliance on her personal brand.
- This involved hiring a team and expanding into areas like brand partnerships and digital products.
Team Inefficiency
- Despite initial planning and restructuring, Luvvie's team struggled with execution and missed deadlines.
- Simple tasks, like updating a media kit, took weeks instead of days.