Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Devin Hughes, Founder of Devin C. Hughes Inc., located in Carlsbad, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I'm the Founder of Devin C. Hughes Inc., a boutique training and development firm created to help established and emerging leaders grow to reach their ideal potential as well as their teams. I currently work with a number of startups and large global organizations, setting up best practices for their people strategy.

A captivating speaker, author, and culture expert. I help leaders drive growth and engagement by aligning workplace culture with success. With 20 years of experience in conflict resolution, generational differences, and culture change, I'm the author of 21 books and have spoken in over 15 countries. I live in San Diego, CA, with my wife, four daughters, and two rescue dogs.

WHOM I DO IT FOR:

  • Fortune 1000
  • Start-Ups
  • Non-Profits
  • Schools, Colleges & Universities
  • Leadership Teams

Tell us about yourself

For the first half of my career, I took the traditional route and had a job, boss, and a recurring paycheck, and I did that for 20 years because that was what I thought #adulting was at that time. I also graduated with a ton of credit card debt which I needed to address ASAP, so I was in dire need of stability and income. I was bored almost immediately with the traditional corporate gamesmanship, which is why I had about 25 plus jobs as I constantly looked for a place where I could thrive as a human being. The corporate career was divided between Life science and High-Tech. It was certainly not all bad, as I learned much about human behavior, leadership, and organizational culture.

2010 was a big year for me as I decided to go out on my own and launch Devin C. Hughes Inc. I am motivated to be the best version of myself every day. I put myself in uncomfortable situations (on purpose) that require me to adapt, grow and push myself to new heights in terms of new ways of thinking and behaving.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Writing my first book: Contrast: A Biracial Man's Journey To Desegregate His Past.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing for me is the lack of boundaries, the non-stop travel, and the pressure always to be on and be working/thinking about ways to grow my brand and business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Mindset Matters - develop a growth mindset. Focus more on what you learn rather than what you lose. The early stages are about learning, adapting, and making adjustments.
  2. Define your niche. You need to be an expert and or have domain expertise that is based on data and experience. This coupled with your "why," why you, why this, and why right now.
  3. Surround yourself with people who will tell you the unfiltered truth. People generally avoid tough conversations for fear of offending or hurting one's feelings, but this will not help you. You need people in your inner circle who will tell you like it is #realtalk.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being an entrepreneur is not easy... but it's possible!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://devinchughes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devinchughes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinchughes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DevinCHughes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinchughes/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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