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WA Leaders, a business mentoring organisation, provides invaluable guidance for business owners by offering programs that focus on leadership, strategy, and practical business management. It covers a wide array of topics that are essential for running a business. Paul, as a member of the program since 2023, shared his experiences and the key lessons he’s learned through his time with WA Leaders.

Paul’s introduction to the WA Leaders program came through a fortunate sponsorship from the City of Canning, which encouraged local businesses to join the Future Leaders Program. This initiative exposed Paul to an immersive year-long training program consisting of workshops and networking events. The program covered every angle of business management, including sales, marketing, future planning, and risk management. Paul reflected on how this "fire hose of information" approach helped him stay focused. He adopted a strategy of applying just one key takeaway each month, which has been instrumental in improving the day-to-day operations of his business.

The Transition from Learning to Applying

After completing the Future Leaders Program in the first year, Paul moved into the second year, which is when the Alumni Program takes place, which offers continuous learning through expert-led sessions and peer networking. Paul described the Alumni Program as an ongoing resource designed to help businesses evolve. The mix of structured learning and networking gave him the opportunity to apply what he learned in real-world situations while forming stronger relationships with other business owners.

One of the most thorough lessons Paul learned during the program was the concept of wearing "three hats" as a business owner: shareholder, director, and manager. Each of these roles has its own responsibilities and requires a different mindset. Understanding this helped him clearly define his approach to both short-term management and long-term strategic direction. Paul noted that switching between these roles more effectively gave him a broader perspective on how to guide his business forward.

A Broader Perspective on Business

Coming from a background in software engineering, Paul admitted that his initial focus had always been on the technical side of his business, primarily coding. The WA Leaders program helped him broaden his view, showing him that business success goes beyond just delivering a great product. It involves marketing, human resources, and effective sales strategies. He began to understand that to truly grow his business, he needed to invest in other areas that would help communicate his brand and build customer trust.

One of the key applications of this learning was how Paul redefined his company’s social media presence. This led him to focus on presenting his brand more authentically and aligning his messaging with the values of transparency and integrity.

The Power of Networking and Community

Paul emphasised the importance of the networking component within WA Leaders, which has become one of the most valuable aspects of his experience. The program’s regular networking events allow participants to meet other business owners, exchange ideas, and identify potential partnerships. Paul often finds that these interactions result in direct opportunities to assist others or receive help with a business challenge. This collaborative spirit has helped Paul secure new clients while also providing solutions for the problems other businesses face.

One significant takeaway for Paul was the realisation that no business owner can do it all alone. The WA Leaders program connected him with a business coach, a relationship that has been instrumental in helping him establish better business practices. Paul shared how meeting like-minded professionals who had faced similar challenges provided him with new strategies to address those challenges within his own business.

A Focus on Sustainability and Ethical Business Practices

Another essential area that Paul explored during the WA Leaders program was Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Paul explained how this focus has been particularly impactful for his business. By implementing eco-friendly practices like using recycled paper, composting, and utilising solar power, his business not only minimises its environmental footprint but also sets a strong example of corporate responsibility. Additionally, by offering internships, Paul’s company is contributing to the social fabric of the community, providing valuable real-world experience for young professionals.

Ethical governance is also a focus of Paul’s business philosophy. WA Leaders reinforced his commitment to running his business with integrity, ensuring fair pay and a positive work environment for his team. Paul noted that one of his key goals is to create a company culture that supports both the personal and professional growth of his employees.

Leveraging WA Leaders for Long-Term Growth

Paul’s experience with WA Leaders has shaped not only how he manages his business but also how he sets and achieves his goals. He regularly uses the resources and frameworks provided by the program to modify his approach to everything from sales to team management. The continued access to program materials, including presentations and learning resources, has been a valuable asset in ensuring that the lessons learned are continually applied in his business.

Paul’s journey through the WA Leaders program has been transformative. The blend of practical skills, leadership insights, and networking opportunities has given him the confidence to lead his business more effectively and adapt to new challenges. By building strong relationships with other business leaders and using the tools provided by WA Leaders, Paul has positioned his business for continued growth and success.

The mentorship, resources, and community he has gained through WA Leaders have not only helped him navigate the complexities of business management but have also empowered him to build a more sustainable, ethical, and successful business for the future.

To learn more about WA Leaders, visit their website at WA Leaders or explore the City of Canning’s business support programs at Business Support that can help local businesses grow.