Feedback Is a Two-Way Street: Interview with Bryan Myers, CEO of [solidcore]

I recently went one one one with Bryan Myers, CEO of [solidcore].

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Bryan: It's been quite a journey - and every step of it has been crucial to getting me to where I am now. I am a military kid, and the first in my family to graduate from college. My parents always wanted more for me, and that drove me throughout college and still does to this day. I went into consulting - like many young professionals in DC - but then saw an opportunity with a DC-born startup, and I took the risk. That risk was with Sweetgreen - the fast-casual salad chain that changed the way we think about the intersection of fast food and health food. I learned so much from the founders and leadership team, and it gave me what I needed to eventually join [solidcore] as COO and lead a rapidly growing team. And while the road hasn't always been easy - particularly the last two years - the challenging moments have been the most informative, impactful, and meaningful moments of my career to date. I wouldn't be the leader I am today without the setbacks and experiences I went through.

Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business?

Bryan: The first step is to have a vision for where you want to go, and the second step is to surround yourself with people who can help you get there -- challenging your preconceived notions, pushing your thinking, and helping you to problem solve along the way.

Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?

Bryan: I think you need to be willing to hear other opinions and not only hear them - but absorb them. I never make decisions in a silo - even when I have data in front of me - because there are people on my team who have different perspectives and experiences who might interpret what the data says in a different way, and their view is valuable to me. It is also really important to know the things you're not great at, and find teammates who can support you in those areas and get out of their way! I'm also a big believer in creating a feedback culture - both positive and constructive. I want people to know when they're doing well - and I also want people to know how they can fly even higher in their roles. And the same goes with providing feedback for me - feedback is a two-way street. That honesty and openness creates a culture of trust and makes me a better leader.

Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Bryan: Leadership is a journey - it's more of an escalator than an elevator. So, rather than focusing on racing to the next level, instead focus on trying to show up slightly better tomorrow than you did yesterday! Like any skill - it's a practice, and that means knowing that consistency in practice is key to drive incremental change.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders?

Bryan: Know your magic and lean into it, surround yourself with people who make you better, never stop learning.

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading and managing teams?

Bryan: Hire people who are great at what they do and get out of their way! That level of empowerment will build morale and trust and allow your team to deliver their best.

Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of sales, marketing and branding?

Bryan: Meet your customer where they are by listening deeply to the challenges and opportunities that they identify in the business. Innovation and growth come from finding unique and special ways to solve those challenges and capitalizing on those opportunities on behalf of your customer.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Bryan: Every situation you find yourself in - whether positive or challenging - is an opportunity to learn and improve. Take a few minutes to reflect; don't let those learnings go to waste!