Over the past two weeks, I have been traveling throughout Asia, which gave me an unexpected but powerful lesson: the importance of having a strong team. While travel can easily become stressful, especially when responsibilities continue at home, this experience reinforced how critical trust, communication, and shared ownership are within any successful business.
Before leaving, I worked closely with my team to clearly outline expectations, deadlines, and responsibilities. We made sure that tasks were delegated intentionally and that everyone understood not only what needed to be done, but why it mattered. Because of this preparation, I was able to travel with very little stress, knowing that my responsibilities were being handled. That peace of mind allowed me to stay present during my travels rather than constantly worrying about what might be falling apart back home.
What stood out most to me was how seamlessly my team operated in my absence. Communication remained clear and consistent, and when questions arose, they were addressed quickly and professionally. This experience highlighted that a strong team does not rely on constant watching, but instead relies on mutual respect, accountability, and trust. Each team member understands their role and takes ownership of their work, which creates stability even when circumstances change.
This experience helped me better understand that entrepreneurship is not a solo pursuit. While individual drive and vision are important, long-term success depends on the people you surround yourself with. A reliable team allows for flexibility, growth, and sustainability, qualities that are essential in both business and life. I also realized that investing time into building relationships, setting clear expectations, and allowing for open communication are extremely important.
As I continue this course, I am looking forward to learning more about how to intentionally build and lead effective teams. This experience has already shown me that when a team is built on trust and clarity, it not only improves productivity but also creates freedom, freedom to grow, explore, and focus on the bigger picture.
Michelle's Entrepreneurial Journal 