Private Air New York

www.privateairny.com Private Air | Spring 2020 52 As the Executive Editor and Producer of "The Luxe List," Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist. As a prolific branding and marketplace trends pundit, Merilee spotlights noteworthy industry innovators, change makers, movers and shakers. Experts, brands, products, services, destinations and events across all categories are spotlighted in her exclusive cross-media platform that reaches multi- millions each month through several syndication channels: print and online publications as well as broadcast TV and terrestrial radio. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram. com/LuxeListReviews / Twitter www.Twitter.com/ LuxeListEditor / Facebook www.Facebook.com/ TheLuxeList / LinkedIN www. LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern BUSINESS unthinkable. As a value-driven entrepreneur, Chau had undertaken a successful ICO (Initial Coin Offering) to raise nearly $2.5-3 million for his esports platform. But, subsequent to raising these funds, he had an epiphany. Chau returned the money from investors and told his team they were going to start raising sales-driven capital from scratch. Why? As months passed after the ICO, Chau harbored an ominous feeling. "Deep down in my heart," he recalls, "I felt that something was wrong. I felt that the energy in the office was slowly draining." One reason for that was the newly-established investors from the ICO. "I knew nothing about gaming," Chau laments. "ey were offering advice that did not resonate well with me or my team, and it was starting to obviously impact the company culture." Chau was looking for more than generating revenue, but rather to actualize a more holistic measure of achievement. Having foregone the funds from the ICO—undeniably a gut- wrenching decision most entrepreneurs would never have the stomach to execute—he had to figure out a way to launch on a shoestring budget. He believed that he could build his new business directly with the customer; in this case as a community-based marketplace. So, Chau pressed ahead without the ICO-driven funds and ultimately launched his community- based solution. Within days, it attracted more than 20,000 users and now, less than a year later, it boasts more than 70,000 users. Chau feels that, at the end of the day, it's really about the conscience of the entrepreneur. He personifies this notion and walks the walk...all the way to the bank. #7 – Control What You Can While cliché, they are undeniable truths: perception is reality and "image is everything," as painfully vain as these maxims sound. From one's physical appearance to how one behaves, people tend to judge first and reason later. e same holds true for a business facility. Whether an office lobby, a retail display window, a Web site home page or even the body condition of fleet vehicles, aesthetics play a mission-critical role in overcoming the litany of obstacles and objections that can initially present with a new engagement. e influence of appearance is something serial beauty and cosmetics industry entrepreneur Dawn Hunter knows all too well, having built an empire helping people cultivate and refine their image by putting their best face forward. Looks aside, the idea of "controlling what you can" is about far more than trying to make yourself as outwardly attractive as possible. It's about embracing your inner beauty, strength and fortitude and being utterly and unequivocally confident in your capabilities. Epitomizing these philosophies is former Ms. Olympia 50+ Sheryl Grant who, after leaving a corporate career, discovered that transforming her body began with shift of what she could control: her mindset. She developed what she now calls the "F.I.T." for Business" model based on principles of faith, intuition and tenacity and went on to win Ms. Olympia her first time competing at age 55. Today, Sheryl teaches entrepreneurs and executives that, while they can't always control their external surroundings, they can determine how they respond to situations. at their perspective and beliefs often drive success, or lack thereof, and play a big role in shaping their businesses future. As the old adage goes, there's more than one way to skin a cat...and there's certainly more than one way to spur growth for your business or career trajectory. e seven strategies above, particularly when employed in multiplicity, can catapult your professional endeavors to new heights. It's never too late, and there's no better time than now.

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