Today’s multi-generational workforce has created wonderful opportunities for better communication between generations, but it has also created challenges in understanding what each other’s words actually mean.

This year we’ve been fortunate to support several organizations launch capital-ready programs.

We’ve noticed — in our years working with entrepreneurs around the globe — that many are driven and have a sense of urgency about getting things done.

Another is their resourcefulness.

I’ve been fortunate to have had the experience of being on the international stage. The biggest audience might have been in one of the Asian countries, with over 5,000 people in the audience and 50,000 online.

I’ve been blessed to meet so many small business owners and entrepreneurs from around the world — all of whom have given me great insight on what it takes to make a business work.

We’ve developed insights and used many different methodologies while working with thousands of entrepreneurs in over 100 countries around the globe. Many have shared their great results — from raising millions of dollars to hiring people — or expanding to other countries.

“Working with entrepreneurs and leaders I understand that they don’t always want to wait for something to happen. They want to make things happen right now. But some things need persistence and repetition.” -Faris Alami

“What I have learned is that business owners and leaders who take the time to reflect on what went well, what they could do to improve, and what might have been missed opportunities are the ones who grow at a much faster rate.”

“I’m also thankful for those who told me NO, they don’t want my service or business. As I reflect on the situations, I realized that in most cases, it would have been a disaster to move forward.”

“Most people start by describing what they do, occasionally telling you how they do it, and rarely why they do it…It can be hard to open up and be vulnerable, sharing your story or journey.” -Faris Alami

“One of the key insights I’ve gained over the last 30-some years is that leading leaders starts with questions about what the requestor is saying — clarification of the idea.”

“The key from this discussion is to understand that good questions coupled with experience can help us create new opportunities.” -Faris Alami

“Stop doubting and start questioning — it will allow you to think about answers and solutions, whereas doubting will only leave you sitting there feeling unable to do anything.”

“When surviving, you hold on to whatever you have, when you are in growth mode, you want to spend everything you have or invest it. Your attitude colors your surroundings and the decisions you make.”

“None of us expect a crisis to hit, but when it does, the question becomes What can we do with what happened?”

“If you choose to think about your attitude, you can keep your thoughts and ideas positive, and make an impact.”

“What I learned was that as long as I set those goals, I was willing to do what it took to make it work.”

“Whatever the scenario, you have to think it through. you have to analyze it, look and see what went right, what went wrong, what can be improved?”

“Setting short-term goals on an hourly or daily basis can also be vital in the journey. As entrepreneurs or leaders, we are interrupted on a daily basis, and sometimes, at the end of the day, we feel we’ve not accomplished anything.”

“Questions allowed me to have a bigger and deeper understanding of culture and human interaction — knowledge that is important in building community.”