Navigating Growth and Shifting Priorities

Introduction

Hi everyone, it’s George, back with my latest logbook entry. Today, I’m reflecting on a day filled with deep discussions, a lively quarter review, and a pivotal shareholder meeting. It was one of those days that really makes you think about the direction your business is heading, the challenges that come with growth, and how shifting priorities can affect not only the company but also the way we work together as a team. Let's dive into the highlights and takeaways from this intense but productive day.

A Lively Quarter Review

Let’s start with the quarter review. (A quarterly team meeting to share updates.) Overall, it was a success—definitely more animated than usual, both literally and figuratively. The team’s presentations were bursting with energy and creativity, with a strong focus on animation that even brought some humor into the mix. It made the whole atmosphere light and engaging, which was a great way to kick things off.

But then, we had to switch gears. I took the team through the numbers—revenue, costs, cash flow, and the processes that support it all. This part was a bit of a wake-up call. While the creative energy was high, the financial side of things revealed some areas that need serious attention. I could tell the team was a bit taken aback by the reality check, but it led to an important conversation. I asked them directly if they found it valuable to get these insights, and they all said yes. This sparked a discussion about how, even if not everyone can directly influence landing new deals, everyone has a role in optimizing processes to keep costs stable or even reduce them.

Exploring New Ideas and Fresh Perspectives

One of the more exciting ideas we discussed was the possibility of bringing other creatives into our office, almost like a coworking space. We’re starting to feel the limitations of our small bubble, and it’s becoming clear that we need fresh perspectives to keep growing and evolving. Bringing in new voices and ideas could be exactly what we need to inject some new energy into our work, and it’s something the whole team seems eager to explore.

The Shareholder Meeting: Tough Questions and Realizations

After the quarter review, we moved on to the shareholder meeting. We talked about sales, revenue goals, and the fact that scaling these is on our shoulders. It’s our responsibility, and we need to make it a daily focus. But then, I asked a question—one of those uncomfortable ones that can really shake things up. I asked if everyone felt they knew exactly what needed to change to fix the issues we identified. Pause. Then. The answer was no. That was a crucial moment because if we, the shareholders, don’t know what needs to change, how can we expect our employees to know?

Asking these kinds of questions can be uncomfortable, but it’s often where real progress begins. It’s frustrating to work on something without a clear path, and it’s essential to recognize when you need to step back, reevaluate, and find that clarity.

Shifting Priorities and Evolving Interests

You should know: When we first started, we all shared a common vision—building a film production company, making great ads, and living in the creative hubs of the world. But now, six or seven years later, as I approach 30, things have naturally evolved. Our priorities have shifted, and our interests have developed in different directions. For example, I’ve become deeply passionate about visual effects and the tech side of our work, while one of the other shareholders remains focused on the art of filmmaking, especially those late-night, super artsy shoots.

It’s completely okay that we’ve developed different interests, but it does make navigating our shared responsibilities a bit more challenging. Aligning our goals and interests is crucial to making everything work smoothly. That’s why asking the tough questions and having these honest conversations is so important.

Conclusion

So, that was today—a mix of creative energy, tough conversations, and a lot of reflection on where we’re going and how we’re getting there. It’s not always easy, but it’s these moments that help us grow, both as individuals and as a company.

Feel free to reach out on social media. Let’s keep the conversation going. Until next time, take care.

Georg