All posts tagged Business and Education

Who is driving your car?

By on 30/04/2019 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Who is driving your car?

As a business leader you drive the car,  set the destination and direction but that is just the start…

 

Shawn recognises this is just the beginning. “You have to be involved right through the process and have a full understanding of what is happening in the business. I believe, that to be successful you have to be the engine of the car and the oil that keeps all the parts moving well together.”

 

He goes on to explain that, the engine of the car is like the operational side of a business. “Essentially it pushes the car forward. It can be a dirty, tricky business but without it nothing works, the car does not move and the business does not progress. As the head of the business my involvement is crucial to moving the business forward. I have to be the engine, fully involved in what is happening on a day to day basis, understanding where we are going and making sure that the business goes in that direction.”

 

The danger is, however, that your head is firmly in operational mode and you do not look round to see danger signs that are happening organisationally. “This is where, I believe, that a business leader has an essential role that I liken to being the “oil” in the engine.” He goes on to explain, “As the oil, I have to make sure that all the moving parts of the engine work together, so that things do not grate and processes and people work in harmony. Only when that happens can the car, or the business, move forward smoothly and economically.”

 

So it sounds that the business needs regular oil checks to make sure that the parts are in harmony. “Absolutely, keeping communication channels open, making sure that people are able to approach you to let you know when there is an issue and regularly taking the temperature of the organisation is vital”.

 

Shawn believes that paying attention to Employee Surveys, putting time into appraisals, making sure you do exit interviews, allowing people the space to tell you what is going well and what is going now so well is key to the running of a successful business. However, more importantly, acting upon this is vital. “If the dials on your dashboard are showing that something is not running smoothly with your car, then you have to act to put it right.” The same applies to the so called “soft” indicators.

 

“We can all read a balance sheet, but other indicators – people’s opinions and views – will give you the underlying reasons why things may not be going in the direction you want. You ignore these at your peril. In these days, when getting the right people in the right job, is evermore difficult, we want to make sure we keep good people. Listening to them and keeping them on board is vital. Be the oil in the machine that keeps the car moving forward! Keep listening to your people and communicating to take your business forward!

 

So, a business leader means juggling a number of roles, setting the destination, driving forward to arrive there and making sure that the working parts move smoothly together. Is it something that Shawn enjoys, “I love my job, I love the business I have developed and the people I work with. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to work with entrepreneurs, through my involvement with Coras. I hope that my experience can help develop and support new businesses to succeed and thrive.”

The Importance of Having the Right Temperament and Disposition in Business

By on 08/03/2018 in Coras, From Shawn, Inspiration, News, Sponsors, Uncategorized with Comments Off on The Importance of Having the Right Temperament and Disposition in Business

Over the past 5 years, Shawn Khorassani has been able to work with a wide range of entrepreneurs and businesses through his work with Coras – the foundation he set up and pioneered.

 

This has put him in a special position to see what makes a successful leader /entrepreneur and to provide an insight into what specific attributes are needed to establish and drive a successful business.

 

So, in his opinion, what are the key ingredients?

 

“There are many management gurus and manuals that have a lot to say about successful people/business having the right people, leadership and management skills. However, there is something that you don’t often hear about and is not talked about in this particular way. These are Temperament & Disposition.”

 

Shawn went on to expand on what these attributes are. “Your temperament will define whether you are cut out for this game or not – surviving and prospering in business means that you have to deal with any situation that life throws at you. You cannot afford to be emotional or anger quickly when things go wrong, as they inevitably will. The key is to take a breath and look at the bigger picture.”

 

He believes that having the right temperament means being consistent in how you deal with difficult situations and with people. “I used to expect everyone to be like me, to think like me and to work like me – I had a lot to learn. We have to respect everyone for their differences and their own talents.”

 

But what about disposition, how does this fit into the business recipe?

 

“Having the right disposition is about having faith in your vision for the business and the future. To be a successful entrepreneur and business creator you must have the courage to take risks and take on challenges.” Humility is also an asset “Make sure that you learn everything you can from those around you and never be afraid of questioning – sometimes the simplest question is the most important one.”

 

Crucially, patience is vital “Do not be precious about the speed of progress or anxious about the growth of the business. If you believe that you have the right plan and the right vision then have faith it is going in the right direction.”

 

So can you summarize by saying that is this in your DNA?

 

“Yes, I think it is something that you are born with. However, if that’s not the case, it is fine and you use your talents in other areas rather than running a business – as you will not enjoy the ride!”

 

Perhaps the most important thing is to understand that not everyone is ready for the journey “Know yourself and understand your character first. Being successful is a long game.

 

All the people I have met through Coras have worked hard – success does not come overnight. It takes tenacity, patience and courage. I have had a fantastic 5 years and am privileged to have been involved with some amazing companies and some amazing people. I am looking forward to the next 5 years.”

Shawn’s 2nd video – 5 Ways to know that you are an Entrepreneur goes live..

By on 04/10/2016 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Shawn’s 2nd video – 5 Ways to know that you are an Entrepreneur goes live..

If you have ever wondered whether you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur then Shawn’s new video –  5 Ways to know that you are an Entrepreneur – can give you the confirmation you need. Are you a natural risk taker – who sees opportunity not problems? Or do you believe that you can do things better and make a real difference? Then, if you are not an entrepreneur perhaps you should be.

Shawn’s second video outlines, what he believes, are the key things that will make you an entrepreneur. Take 5 minutes out of your day to watch 5 Ways to know that you are an Entrepreneur – it could be the start of a whole new direction….

Coras – making contacts and helping to move businesses forward

By on 17/08/2015 in News with Comments Off on Coras – making contacts and helping to move businesses forward

Coras supports and develops new business through mentoring, networking and investment. Over the last three years we have been involved with a growing number of successful, expanding companies.
One of the most recent is Avanatta – the social networking collaborative video making application which uses ground breaking anti trolling software. Users add their videos to those made by others to create a film that can be watched back, added to and shared across the social web.

Attending the Coras 2015 awards ceremony in May opened up many doors for Avanatta.  The Head Teacher of Park House School, Derek Peaple, was one of the many people who approached them after their presentation to congratulate them on their product, and express an interest in their anti-trolling software.

As a result they were then invited to trial Avanatta with his year 12 pupils, which offered a fantastic insight into how they can further develop their app. They have since run a series of highly successful school visits in and around Berkshire. They also met a selection of potential investors at the event, and were introduced to the coordinators of the Newbury Rugby Club who they plan on working with in the future. Georgina Pursey, Founder of Avanatta said “Though we sadly didn’t win the award, we actually left with a result far better and more beneficial than one we had ever hoped for!”

For further information on Avanatta visit www.avanatta.com. 

Finalist with Shawn on the 2015 gala night

Share Your Coras Story!
Making connections and supporting people’s aspirations is key to what drives Coras. We would love to hear from you if we were able to help you do this – we love a success story and would really like to be able to share with people how Coras may have helped you. Just contact Rhian on rhian@coras.me.