“Unlocking Potential: The Surprising Lessons I Learned from Diverse Entrepreneurs”

By Rod Dashevici

I’ve always believed that we are the amalgamation of the people we surround ourselves with. That’s why joining EO Queensland felt like a natural step for me. I realised I thrive in the company of movers and shakers—you know, those inspiring individuals who are constantly pushing the envelope in their businesses. I find I can learn from everyone, even if they’re in completely different industries than mine.

As a business owner in construction, I face unique challenges. My projects often span years, and lead times on new sales can feel endless. It can be tough to maintain momentum in such a slow-moving environment. However, being part of EO has transformed my perspective. I’ve learned so much from fellow members who operate in industries with shorter sales cycles. Their agility and efficiency have opened my eyes to potential improvements I can make in my own operations to help speed things up.

When I hear about how others tackle their challenges, that sets my mind to work on how this could apply to me. I’ve realised, the key to innovation lies in sourcing inspiration from those around me. Each story shared at our monthly forum meetings acts like a spark, igniting new possibilities in my mind.

I remember my first forum fondly. I was surrounded by a diverse group of individuals, each pursuing different paths. Their journeys were not only fascinating but also enlightening. Every discussion felt like a window into new methods and strategies, which I don’t know where I would get these types of learnings outside of being in EO.

My experience in EO has been a true transformation. I came in searching for insights and a fresh perspective, and I found that—and so much more. I’ve gained a community of passionate entrepreneurs who push me to think bigger and act bolder. Each connection I’ve made reinforces my belief that collaboration and learning from others are essential for growth.

As I continue this journey, I’m excited to see where these connections will lead me next. I know that with the right sources of inspiration, I can keep evolving, not just as a business owner, but as an individual committed to growth and learning.