‘Success’, or ‘perceived success’ has always been measured by metrics like profitability and growth amongst many businesses, but Jake Press, Managing Director of FOUR, believes it is about time we redefine what it means to be ‘successful’.
Jake recently sat down with Tim Lavis on the ThirtyNiners Podcast to discuss this mindsight of ‘redefining success’ for a modern business world that is evolving every day, particularly when it pertains to issues like hours per week in a dynamic and remote working environment.
“Businesses are changing, and our style of operating and measuring success, is very different to many businesses, but I think more people are moving into that space. But the industry rules and regulations don’t really fit in this modern way we do business. You know, everyone’s in theory doing that 38-hour work week, but what even is a 38-hour week anymore?
“I just don’t think that is a measure of success today, it needs to be outcome-based and I think if we’re making a difference, we’re having a good time doing it, the team is really happy, and everyone’s getting out of it what they need — including our customers, that is success”.
Success derived from the enjoyment of achieving outcomes is what forms the mission statement for Jake Press’ FOUR, and he believes we need to change this ‘meat grinder’ culture in business, to ensure we are performing at our best both professionally and personally.
“A performant business doesn’t need to be a meat grinder. I think that’s something that we’ve all got backwards in the world right now. A performant business can be a real happy group of people with technology just killing it and doing good things.
“If everyone is living their best lives at home, they live their best lives at work driving big outcomes, and we’re really excited to explore new ways of working too, we’re always self-disrupting ourselves looking for new ways to change how we approach problems”.
Jake’s Adelaide-based technology company FOUR, is using innovative technology to optimise business operations to ensure high-performance business that empowers people to do and achieve more.
This mentality of self-disrupting for better outcomes is what drew Jake to the ThirtyNiners Group, whereby he is in an environment with other industry disruptors who want to change how we do business in South Australia.
“I mean I am just in awe of the people in the ThirtyNiners group, and the team running it is just fabulous. There’s a lot of inspirational thinking going on and many things that I think could be changed off the back of that group, so it’s very humbling to be part of it”.
To hear the full conversation with Jake Press on redefining success in business, search ThirtyNiners Podcast wherever you hear your podcasts.
