N. R. Narayana Murthy says he used to arrive at the office at 6:20 a.m. and leave at 8:30 p.m. He worked 14 hours per day, six-and-a-half days per week for 30 years until he retired in 2011 at age 65.

Murthy is the 78-year-old co-founder of Infosys, an Indian technology firm with offices in 56 countries, including the United States. The company offers IT, consulting, and outsourcing services and employs more than 317,000 people worldwide.

Murthy went viral last year for stating that young people in India should work 70 hours per week, even though doing so breaks Indian labor laws. Then, at CNBC’s Global Leadership Summit earlier this month, Murthy refused to back down from his earlier statement and said, “I don’t believe in work-life balance.”

He added that he was “a little bit disappointed” in 1986 when India cut the work week from six days a week to five.

“I was not very happy with that,” he said. He then addressed the 70-hour workweek controversy stating, “I am sorry, I have not changed my view.”

“I don’t believe in work-life balance,” declares Infosys’ Narayana Murthy as he defends his infamous ’70-hour work-week’ comment while talking to Shereen Bhan at CNBC TV18’s Global Leadership Summit#CNBCTV18GLS #CNBCTV18at25 #cnbctv18digital @ShereenBhan pic.twitter.com/Hcrej8DUkw

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) November 14, 2024

He added that he was “very proud” of putting in 14-hour days at the office, 6.5 days per week.

“Therefore I am not going to take it back,” Murthy said, referring to his 70-hour workweek statement.

Murthy started Infosys in 1981 with six other co-founders and $250 in starting capital.

Infosys became the first India-registered company to be listed on NASDAQ in 1999 and now has a market capitalization of over $92 billion.

Infosys brought in over $18 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2024.

Related: The Case for 14-Hour Workdays — Why New Entrepreneurs Should Embrace the Hustle Before Seeking Work-Life Balance

For most businesses and employees, working across several projects is the norm—according to The Conversation, more than 80% of employees juggle multiple work projects at once. While those workloads are expected, it can be a struggle to manage deadlines and organize all the necessary tasks for each project.

Rather than have yourself, your project managers, and your employees feel overwhelmed with multiple project tasks and deadlines, why not invest in a project management tool to manage everything more seamlessly? Microsoft Project 2021 could be the key to completing a project in a timely fashion and even staying within budget, and lifetime access is now available for $17.97 (reg. $249.99) for only two more days.

Microsoft Project: Your business’s key to organization and success

Since Microsoft Project offers so much versatility and customization, it’s not exactly easy to explain what it is and does. So, instead, we’ll walk through how Project could be used to help entrepreneurs and their employees tackle their daily workloads.

1. Set milestones and deadlines. Use premade templates to outline key phases like setup, branding, and an opening date.
2. Plan budgets. Manage funds for purchasing the truck, ingredients, and other expenses.
3. Assign tasks to yourself or employees. From large milestones, break down small steps that must come first, like acquiring licenses and creating a menu.
4. Automate scheduling. After inputting factors like priorities and limitations, you could generate a timeline for staff training, market research, or taste testing.
5. Run “what-if” scenarios. Estimate end dates or budgets based on dependent factors, such as varying locations or number of employees.
6. Visualize schedules and progress at a glance. View completed and upcoming tasks, generate reports, and so much more.

Of course, you could use Microsoft Project to organize smaller personal goals or larger team-wide tasks and projects. With so many tools and options at your fingertips, you can gain more confidence in tackling current and future projects.

Invest in this Microsoft Project 2021 lifetime license for just $17.97 (reg. $249.99) while supplies last. This offer ends in two days on November 19 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Microsoft Project 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows

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Taking on a leadership role — especially as a new CEO — brings its own set of fears and challenges. For many, it can trigger “imposter syndrome,” causing doubt about the ability to handle the demands of the new position. Some new leaders feel stuck at first, unable to make decisions for fear that the wrong one could set back the company and jeopardize their credibility as well.

They overanalyze in an attempt to avoid mistakes or refuse to change course when they realize they’ve made a wrong decision. Then there’s the pressure to build good relationships with board members and win the trust of their staff. And finally, there’s the anxiety about what surprises or unexpected challenges will surface as they learn more about the inner workings of the company.

While these feelings are common, there are ways to mitigate them. Here are a handful of strategies I have seen new leaders implement for a strong, confident start:

Related: 4 Things the New Leader of an Organization Should Do Right Away

Ask questions and practice active listening

The first step great leaders take to build confidence is to seek input from their team. Successful CEOs remain curious rather than thinking they have all the answers from the outset. They prepare for every meeting and conversation by thinking through the right questions. This means coming in with an open and neutral perspective rather than assuming the previous strategy needs to change — or even that a successful approach from a previous company would also work in the new one.

At the outset, CEOs may hear conflicting accounts from different stakeholders. The only way to root out the truth is to hear from everyone. Regularly interacting with employees broadens a new CEO’s perspective, helps them make more informed decisions and creates a learning environment grounded in mutual respect.

Seek diverse perspectives

Just as it’s important to hear from those within the company, effective CEOs gain perspectives from others outside their company. This means listening to customers about what they love and how the business can be improved. And great leaders also seek out insights from fellow CEOs who can offer unbiased feedback. For more than 65 years at Vistage, we’ve seen high-integrity leaders benefit from CEO peer groups, where leaders leave their ego at the door to focus on improving. They actively combat insular thinking and confirmation bias by learning from other CEOs who understand the nuances and challenges they are facing.

New leaders benefit from surrounding themselves with trusted peers from noncompeting businesses, while fellow members gain fresh perspectives from first-time CEOs. It’s a reciprocal, give-and-take model that elevates everyone. Whether learning from customers, peers, expert speakers, books or mentors, a focus on continuous learning and professional development helps to build leadership confidence.

Related: 6 Ways New CEOs Can Lead an Established Company Through Change

Celebrate reaching milestones

For a new CEO, credibility must be earned through action. And while many feel like they want to change everything at once, great CEOs set realistic expectations for what success will look like, especially in the first year. By accomplishing incremental objectives from the outset, leaders can demonstrate progress. Celebrating these milestones with the team, no matter how minor, cultivates a positive mindset throughout the company. Team members appreciate being recognized for their efforts and gain satisfaction from working together to achieve common goals.

Balance immediate and long-term challenges

CEOs often face the dual pressure of addressing immediate business needs while setting long-term strategies. This balancing act requires a nuanced approach — knowing when to take decisive action and when to pause for more informed decision-making. By actively engaging in solving critical operational issues, new CEOs can quickly build credibility with their teams. This enhances their understanding of the business while solidifying their reputation as a dedicated leader. In turn, this fosters respect, which is essential for any new CEO aiming to make a positive and lasting impact. The ability to refine strategies based on new information is crucial in nurturing trust within organizations.

Demonstrate leadership values

When new leaders enter a workforce, existing employees first wonder what their values are. Those leaders who spend time reflecting on their leadership values are able to communicate them authentically from the outset. When CEOs consistently demonstrate clear values through their words and actions, it provides a strong foundation from which to lead. This sets the tone for what sort of culture and operational principles will be accepted under new leadership.

Communicate the vision

It can take time for a new CEO to lay the groundwork for a company vision. But once the vision is solidified, effective communication of the strategic vision and operational plans is crucial. Communication establishes a clear roadmap, manages expectations and stabilizes stakeholder confidence during periods of transition. Creating an environment of clarity and understanding fosters trust between leaders and employees.

Related: 6 Mistakes That Rookie Leaders Make Which Can Cause Them To Fail

Navigating the complexities of leadership as a new CEO requires being proactive and establishing credibility through consistent and transparent actions. These strategies drive organizations toward success while creating a culture of trust and support — both of which are necessary for any company to thrive in the long term.

By listening, encouraging engagement across all levels of the organization and remaining flexible in strategic execution, new CEOs can lead confidently. While the leadership journey presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, resulting in a transformative experience.

Allstate cut annual spending on corporate offices by more than half in four years, going from $382 million in 2020 to $138 million this year, per Bloomberg — a $244 million reduction.

Though Allstate has also reduced its real estate footprint from 12 million square feet to 4 million, the insurance giant says it’s metaphorically “building something new” in the near future by allowing remote employees to meet in coworking spaces or shared offices used by multiple companies simultaneously.

According to a Monday Bloomberg report, 25% of Allstate’s 54,000 corporate employees will have the chance to meet with one another in coworking spaces across the country. They will rent space in cities like Atlanta, Indianapolis and Minneapolis through LiquidSpace by the day. T-Mobile and Philips also use the platform.

^{Allstate corporate office in Northbrook, Illinois. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images}

The coworking plan is currently in the “testing and learning” stage, Allstate’s vice president of administration and real estate Mike Thomas told Bloomberg. It’s happening in cities where Allstate has between 100 and 1,000 employees — not enough for an office lease, but enough for an in-person gathering once in a while in a coworking space for training and team-building.

Related: ‘Not a Cost Play’: Amazon CEO Clarifies Why Employees Have to Come Back to the Office

Allstate’s test-and-see approach differs from the strict return-to-office policies taken recently by companies like Amazon and Dell.

At Dell, working remotely means not being considered for promotions or new roles within the company. A leaked memo in May showed that Dell had begun monitoring attendance and using it as a factor to determine how employees were reviewed, rewarded and compensated.

At Amazon, all corporate employees will be required to work in the office five days a week starting January 2. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stated in September that in-person work was better for strengthening company culture; Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman said in mid-October that there were other places employees could work if they didn’t like the mandate.

Meanwhile, the benefits of in-person work over hybrid work remain in question. A study published in Nature earlier this year found that employees on a hybrid schedule were equally productive as those on an in-person schedule. A hybrid schedule presented a measurable advantage: It led to a one-third reduction in quit rates and higher job satisfaction rates.

Related: Hybrid Workers Were Put to the Test Against Fully In-Office Employees — Here’s Who Came Out On Top

The percentage of people working primarily from home has nearly tripled globally, from 10% in 2019 to 28% in 2023. Online freelance work is also the most popular holiday side hustle, with 66% of Americans indicating they plan to pursue it this season.

What exactly are employers looking for from remote hires? A new study from SEO agency Search Logistics used data from LinkedIn, Upwork and Glassdoor to find the most in-demand skills among employers.

For each popular skill, the researchers calculated a demand percentage using LinkedIn. The measure reflects how many remote jobs required the skill out of all the remote jobs available on LinkedIn.

Related: Worried About AI Stealing Your Job? A New Report Calls These 10 Careers ‘AI-Proof’

The researchers then used Upwork data to fill in the general job category that each skill fell under. Finally, they turned to Glassdoor data to find the average annual salary for those who possess each skill.

The resulting list of the most in-demand skills for remote work includes interpersonal skills like teamwork and technical skills like Java.

“It’s unsurprising that teamwork, problem-solving, leadership skills and customer service are in the top 10,” Search Logistics lead director Matthew Woodward says. “These skills are useful in basically every industry or position you could think of, so if you’re stuck on how to improve your job performance, building your proficiency in any of these skills is a great place to start.”

Related: These Are the Best Jobs for Every Personality Type, According to a New Report

Here are the 10 most in-demand skills to have on your resume when applying for remote roles.

1. Teamwork

Category (according to Upwork): Admin Support

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 49.98%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $116,000

2. Analytical thinking

Category (according to Upwork): Engineering and Architecture

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 37.24%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $62,000

3. Software development

Category (according to Upwork): IT & Network Admin

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 31.47%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $131,000

4. Problem-solving skills

Category (according to Upwork): Sales and Marketing

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 29.04%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $59,000

5. Java, Java Script

Category (according to Upwork): IT & Network Admin

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 21.73%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $122,000

6. SQL, Python

Category (according to Upwork): IT & Network Admin

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 19.05%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $116,000

7. Data analysis

Category (according to Upwork): Data Science and Analysis

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 18.57%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $109,000

8. Leadership skills

Category (according to Upwork): Admin Support

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 15.16%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $117,000

9. Sales

Category (according to Upwork): Sales and Marketing

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 13.52%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $149,000

10. Customer service

Category (according to Upwork): Customer Service

Demand percentage (using LinkedIn): 13.24%

Average annual salary (from Glassdoor): $44,000

Amazon, Google, Microsoft and other big tech companies are turning to nuclear power to fuel AI, which needs more energy as it grows more complex. Last month, Amazon invested $500 million in nuclear energy, and Google signed its first nuclear power deal. In September, Microsoft moved to reopen Three Mile Island, the three-mile nuclear plant near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to power its AI energy needs.

Not all of Big Tech’s nuclear efforts have gone smoothly: Earlier this month, Meta’s plans to open a nuclear power plant were halted when the company found a rare bee species next to the plant. Meta also faced regulatory challenges trying to open the plant.

James Walker is the CEO of NANO Nuclear Energy, the first nuclear microreactor company listed on NASDAQ. A microreactor is small enough to be moved around by a truck, and it converts heat from a nuclear reaction into electricity.

At the time of this writing, NANO’s market cap was around $700 million; it was founded in 2022.

Related: Google Follows Microsoft’s Lead With Nuclear Power for AI

In an exclusive interview, Walker told Entrepreneur about the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear energy and the hardest part of building a nuclear startup. He also identified areas where new businesses can thrive. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Entrepreneur: What are the upsides and downsides of opening nuclear power plants?
Walker: On the upside, it brings online a massive, established source of reliable, carbon-free power — something that’s essential as energy demands soar.

The downside is that older plants need significant upgrades to meet modern safety standards, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Does nuclear energy create a viable alternative to traditional methods of powering AI?
Absolutely. AI-driven data centers need consistent, high-output power around the clock, and traditional renewables like solar and wind, while valuable, simply can’t provide that alone.

Related: Will It Take Nuclear Power to Sustain AI? Microsoft Is Betting on It.

Nuclear energy, particularly with innovations like microreactors, offers a steady, carbon-free energy source well-suited to AI’s demands. It’s an essential piece of the puzzle if we want to continue pushing boundaries in AI without running into power limitations.

Why start a nuclear energy company?
Fossil fuels have gotten us far, but we know they’re neither sustainable nor efficient enough to support the energy demands of tomorrow.

Nuclear energy, especially with advances in microreactor technology, gives us a unique way to generate clean, consistent power that can be sited anywhere, which even gives it a big advantage over all other renewables.

Related: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says Nuclear Energy ‘Is a Wonderful Way Forward’ to Keep AI Data Centers Running

Are there any areas or industries where you see problems that new businesses can solve?
One area ripe for innovation is energy storage and the wider renewable sector. Battery technology is advancing, but there’s still so much potential for new businesses to find ways to store, distribute and efficiently use renewable energy.

Another big area is the logistics of fuel transportation and nuclear materials, especially for safe and cost-effective handling.

Additionally, we need more solutions for recycling and reducing waste in energy production — not just nuclear, but across all sectors. There’s a huge market for new ideas that can keep costs low while addressing environmental concerns head-on.

Related: Amazon Is Going Nuclear, Joining Big Tech in the Race for More Power: ‘There’s Not Going to Be Enough Wind and Solar to Meet Needs’

The road to franchise success is rarely easy. Each of these founders faced personal struggles, roadblocks, and moments of doubt. But they kept going. These stories are more than just about building businesses — they’re about turning challenges into triumphs and proving that, sometimes, the most powerful ideas come from the hardest times.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

Anne Beiler – Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

Imagine opening a small pretzel stand — not for fame or fortune, but as a way to heal. Anne Beiler’s journey started with heartbreak. She lost her young daughter in a tragic accident, a pain no parent can imagine. She needed something to pull her through the grief. So, she opened a tiny pretzel stand. Her goal? Raise money to open a counseling center to help others dealing with their own struggles.

It was a humble start. Just one stand in a local market, with Anne rolling and twisting each pretzel by hand. But customers were drawn to something more than just the taste. They felt Anne’s warmth, the love she put into her business and her dedication to something bigger than pretzels. Soon, word spread.

What began as one stand grew into hundreds. Auntie Anne’s became a brand known for its simple, delicious pretzels and the story behind them. Her journey is a reminder: sometimes, the most meaningful successes come from our deepest losses. Anne’s story teaches us that with purpose, even the smallest start can have a big impact.

Related: The Critical First 100 Days of Onboarding — What You’re Likely Overlooking That Could Make or Break Your New Hire

Jimmy John Liautaud – Jimmy John’s

When Jimmy John Liautaud barely graduated high school, his options were slim: join the army or start his own business. With a $25,000 loan from his father, Jimmy decided to give the latter a shot.

So, he opened a sandwich shop. It was bare-bones. No fancy equipment, no flashy signage. He couldn’t even afford ice for the sodas —everything was served at room temperature. But Jimmy was scrappy, and he had a knack for knowing what people liked. He focused on fresh ingredients, quick service, and grassroots marketing.

He went door-to-door, handing out samples and talking to anyone listening. And it worked. Slowly, Jimmy’s little sandwich shop started gaining a loyal following. It wasn’t just the sandwiches that people loved — it was Jimmy’s grit and determination. He wasn’t selling a product; he was sharing a piece of himself.

Today, Jimmy John’s is a household name, with thousands of locations. His story proves that big dreams don’t need big beginnings. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bravery and a willingness to start small.

Related: Learn the Secrets of Running 20+ Businesses as a Side Hustle — Finding and Nurturing Your ‘STIC People’

Fred DeLuca – Subway

Fred DeLuca was just 17 when he borrowed $1,000 to open his first sandwich shop. He needed a way to pay for college and figured a small business could help. The shop was called “Pete’s Super Submarines,” with a quirky subway theme inspired by New York City.

Fred’s approach was simple: fresh ingredients and customizable sandwiches. He believed people should be able to create their own meals, the way they liked. He didn’t have a big marketing budget or a fancy location. Just a counter, some ingredients, and a friendly smile.

And it worked. Customers loved the flexibility and the freshness. Soon, Fred’s little shop became a local favorite. He decided to rebrand, calling it “Subway,” and started exploring the idea of franchising. That one small shop grew into a global chain with thousands of locations worldwide.

Fred’s story is a reminder that even the smallest ideas can have the biggest impact. With a little vision, and a lot of commitment, you can turn a humble sandwich shop into an empire.

Related: See The Entrepreneur 2024 Top Franchise Supplier List

Colonel Harland Sanders – KFC

Colonel Harland Sanders’ story is a testament to resilience. His journey didn’t begin until he was 65. Most people would have retired, but not the Colonel. After his roadside restaurant closed due to a new highway reroute, Sanders was left with nothing but a fried chicken recipe and the will to keep going. So, he packed up his pressure cooker, hit the road, and started pitching his chicken to local restaurants. It was anything but glamorous. He faced rejection after rejection, often sleeping in his car and giving out free samples to anyone who’d try it.

But Sanders didn’t quit. Finally, he convinced a restaurant owner to add his chicken to the menu. And that was the turning point. Word got around, and soon Kentucky Fried Chicken started spreading across the country. Eventually, it became one of the most recognizable franchises in the world.

The Colonel’s story is a lesson in persistence. Age, setbacks, rejection — none of it mattered. He believed in his chicken, and he believed in himself. His journey is proof that it’s never too late to chase a dream.

Related: Taking Control of Your Life Through Franchising (Webinar)

Ray Kroc – McDonald’s

Ray Kroc didn’t invent McDonald’s, but he transformed it into the empire we know today. At 52, Kroc was a milkshake machine salesman, struggling to make ends meet. Then, he came across a small burger stand run by the McDonald brothers. They had something unique — fast, consistent, affordable food. Kroc saw potential and decided to join forces with the brothers, eventually buying them out.

Kroc took the McDonald brothers’ idea and scaled it up. He introduced assembly-line methods, strict quality standards, and an emphasis on consistency. Every burger, every fry, every milkshake was made the same way, every time. It was a simple idea, but it was powerful. Customers knew exactly what to expect when they walked into a McDonald’s, no matter where they were.

Ray’s story isn’t about inventing something new; it’s about doing the basics right and scaling it up. His dedication to efficiency and consistency didn’t just change McDonald’s—it reshaped the entire fast-food industry. His journey is a reminder that sometimes, success isn’t about flashy innovation, it’s about perfecting the essentials.

These founders didn’t just build businesses — they built legacies. They turned their struggles, their grit, and their unique visions into something larger than themselves. Each one of them faced their own set of challenges, from personal loss to financial setbacks to countless rejections. But they pushed through. They believed in what they were building.

Today, these brands are household names. And their stories are a powerful reminder that success is about more than money or fame. It’s about resilience, courage, and the willingness to keep going, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Want to learn from these journeys? Take a page from their playbook. Dream big, start small, and keep going. Because you never know — your small idea might just become the next big thing.

Related: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked on the Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New ‘Hall of Fame’

The holiday season is here, and with it comes a long list of shopping needs for work, home, and holiday gatherings. Now’s the perfect time to grab a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership for $65, and with it, you’ll receive a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card* to get started. Whether you’re looking to stock the office or prepare for family festivities, a Gold Star Membership has you covered for the holidays and beyond.

This isn’t just any membership. With access to more than 500 Costco warehouses nationwide, Costco’s Gold Star Membership provides access to high-quality grocery and household items, plus a full range of seasonal holiday decor and specialty baked goods. And with the $45 Digital Costco Shop Card*, you have a head start on your shopping list.

Planning a festive office party? You’ll find plenty of holiday-ready items like treats, snack platters, and beautifully crafted seasonal decor. Whether for business or home, you’ll find terrific value on quality products.

As a Costco Gold Star Member, your benefits extend beyond the warehouse. Enjoy member-only fuel savings that are easy on the budget with the Costco Gas Station, which is ideal for business leaders who need to keep transportation costs down. Plus, you’ll have access to the Costco Tire Center and pharmacy, which can help simplify both business and personal tasks.

You can also shop on the Costco website or app, giving you the flexibility to order on the go. This is especially helpful during the busy holiday season when time is at a premium. And with options for delivery and pickup, it’s easy to stock up without interrupting your day.

Don’t miss a Costco 1-year Gold Star Membership with a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card* for $65 through December 22.

Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + $45 Digital Costco Shop Card* – $65

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*Services are provided to Costco members by third parties.

*To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Limit one per household. Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Gas Stations, Car Washes, or Food Court Kiosks. A Costco membership is $65 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $65 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.

My grandparents came to the U.S. with a dream and a deep sense of purpose. It’s to support the family and secure a better future for their children. As a tech entrepreneur, I share the same dream. I want to create something meaningful not just for my customers and investors, but also for my family and the broader community through the Fud app.

Research shows that a variety of firsthand experiences, such as making tough decisions, tackling challenges head-on and taking responsibility for the outcomes, builds a founder’s resilience. I had my share of these experiences early on during the years I spent working in our family’s restaurant, which greatly influenced how I now manage Fud. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Coming from generations of chefs who captured the taste of home for many immigrants, my family opened a series of authentic Chinese restaurants in Georgia and Southern California in the 1970s. And like many children in family businesses, I grew up working in our restaurant. I filled in whenever help was needed, especially when we were short on staff or overwhelmed with customers.

Now that I’m building my own business, I’ve come to realize that growing up in a family-owned restaurant gave me a unique perspective on entrepreneurship which has contributed in shaping me into the entrepreneur I am today. Here are some of the experiences that taught me valuable lessons in running a business.

Related: As a First-Gen Immigrant Founder, My Business Is More Than Just Income — It’s a Legacy For My Kids. Here’s How I Balance Work and Family.

Taking responsibility for my mistakes

When I was a teenager, I helped deliver food to customers. One time, my cousin and I accidentally tilted the bags causing the sauce to leak out of the containers. Instead of taking it back to the restaurant and fixing it, we delivered it as-is. As expected, the customer complained about the messy delivery and we had to redo the entire order.

This experience taught me that hiding and avoiding problems would only make things worse. Had we been more accountable for our actions, we could’ve avoided upsetting the customer and damaging the reputation of the restaurant.

As an entrepreneur, I know that mistakes are inevitable. It’s important to confront problems directly and take responsibility for your actions. Instead of dwelling on the failure, I try to focus on the learnings and steps I can take to prevent the same mistake from happening again.

Experience is my best teacher

People learn best by doing. During my stint as a cashier in my elementary school years, I got used to doing real-world math and became good at handling money. The hands-on experience also boosted my confidence in interacting with customers, teaching me how to communicate well to ensure they had a positive experience at the restaurant.

Spending time at the restaurant has shown me the bigger picture, how the whole team works together to deliver quality service, handle customer complaints and still have some fun. Even with my BA and MBA, I can say that I learned the most from my experience working in our family’s restaurant.

Related: I Learned Everything Important About Succeeding as an Entrepreneur Washing Dishes for My First Boss

Appreciating the work

Working as a host and waiter instilled in me a deep respect for the hard work and dedication of our staff. They have to endure long hours on their feet, work in a fast-paced environment and perform thankless tasks. It’s truly a demanding and underappreciated job.

Delivering an entertaining and delightful experience is not an easy task. Beyond greeting guests with a smile and ensuring their orders are accurate and timely, it takes empathy to anticipate and respond to customer needs, strong interpersonal skills to foster genuine relationships and a commitment to make every interaction memorable.

This appreciation for every craft and form of craftsmanship comes naturally to me and has become a core value within the Fud community. I believe that every craft, side hustle, venture or any effort someone makes to provide for themselves and pursue their goals should be valued and celebrated.

Embracing the competition

I learned from my family that competition in the restaurant industry can be a good thing. In fact, having our restaurant located alongside other successful establishments created valuable synergies for all. It’s not a zero-sum game. The success of neighboring restaurants attracts large crowds and enhances the area’s overall reputation, which everyone benefits from.

Knowing that diners could easily choose another place to eat kept us on our toes, pushing us to innovate in our restaurant. We are always looking for ways to improve our customer service, diversify food options and nurture relationships with our patrons.

I have carried this mindset until now. As an entrepreneur, I learn a lot from the competition and it drives me to bring more to the table and be creative. I would rather share a larger pie with several competitors than be the most successful business in a small market.

Related: Business Doesn’t Need to be Cutthroat — Embrace This Mindset and Watch Your Business Thrive

Building the business without the owner

My family introduced me to the concept of “building a clock” in business. The idea is to build a thriving and sustainable restaurant that can run without depending solely on the owners. For this to work, there should be standard processes, systems and structures in place for the employees to follow and rely on when making decisions.

Another key element to building a sustainable business is fostering long-term relationships with customers. As a Chinese restaurant, our unique differentiation lies in serving authentic food that brings people and families together, keeping traditions alive. Our regulars aren’t just customers, we treat them as part of our family.

By focusing on forming strong bonds within the community rather than pursuing short-term gains, both the business and customers benefit in the long run. As a founder, my goal is to work on the business and not just in the business. I believe in making genuine connections and engaging a community that supports your business.

Many companies face a challenge when it comes to presenting complex data. Information in text form can quickly overwhelm people or lead to misinterpretations, but data shown in graphs and diagrams is more likely to be accurate and easier to understand, according to research by The Washington Post.

This shift toward visual data is why diagramming software has become essential, and Microsoft Visio stands out as a top choice for creating precise and customizable visuals, and it’s only $17.97 for a lifetime license. Skip to checkout while this sale price lasts.

What can Visio do?

Visio is the ultimate tool for transforming data into clear, professional diagrams that not only communicate information effectively but also make it engaging. With a library of over 250,000 shapes and dozens of templates, it offers a wealth of options for various projects, from flowcharts and organizational charts to complex network diagrams. For example, teams looking to visualize their structure can use Visio’s org chart templates, which automatically generate charts from sources like Excel, Exchange, or Microsoft Entra ID.

On top of being a powerful tool for diagramming, Visio is designed to make collaborating on visuals intuitive and flexible. With touch-enabled device compatibility, users can naturally sketch and annotate their diagrams with a finger or stylus. This hands-on feature is ideal for brainstorming sessions, where teams can map out ideas quickly without needing to start from scratch.

Visio Pro also supports industry-standard diagramming notations like BPMN 2.0, IEEE, and UML 2.5, which are crucial for professionals in engineering, IT, and business operations who need their visuals to align with widely recognized frameworks. And if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can integrate SharePoint and OneDrive with Visio.

You don’t need to be a designer to make data appealing.

If you’re ready to invest, you can check out now while Visio is still $17.97.

Sale ends November 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows – $17.97

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