I Asked My OBM Why She Thinks We’re a ‘Successful’ Business. Her Answers Shocked Me…
I asked my OBM, Nivek Harrison, why she thinks our business is successful. Her answers shocked me, and I think they’ll shift how you think about your own business too.
As the festive season rolls in and I’m batch recording podcasts so my team gets a well-deserved break, I figured it was the perfect time to pause and reflect. Sometimes when you’re deep into planning and strategising for the new year, it helps to look at what’s already working.
The reason I asked Nivek this question was because I’ve been trying to identify our strengths so we can really leverage them in 2026. I’ve been thinking a lot about what it looks like to go all in on the things we’re really good at and essentially delegate the rest. We’re at a season of business where many parts are running like a well-oiled machine, and I wanted her perspective.
There were three things she said so quickly, straight off the cuff, as though she’d already been sitting on the answers. Let me share them with you.
1. Moving Fast with Intention
The first thing Nivek pointed out was speed. We move fast. Whether I’m creating a workshop in a day or quickly firing off emails and pitches, we don’t sit around and wait. In a world where everything keeps pushing us to think faster, being quick means we’re always a step ahead.
Of course, it’s about smart speed, not reckless rush. Anything that aligns with our strategy gets the green light to move forward quickly, while shiny distractions get parked. It’s all about knowing when to hit the gas and when to hold back.
The key difference between productive speed and haste comes down to intention and alignment. You know that feeling when you’re chasing the latest trends, even when they don’t quite fit your business model? That’s shiny object syndrome, and it’s not the same thing as strategic speed.
2. Decisiveness: Trusting My Gut and My Team
Next on the list is decisiveness. Nivek said I’m pretty direct in my decision making, and I have to agree. It’s not just me, though. The whole team gets it. Everything starts and ends with me in terms of choices because I trust my gut and the advice from my support system.
While I do gather plenty of insights and seek advice from various people in my network, at the end of the day, I filter everything through what feels right for us. If you’re someone who hesitates a lot, I’d suggest practising this. Trust yourself a bit more and you’ll see things start to shift.
The secret isn’t to overthink everything or freeze with indecision. It’s to execute thoughtful actions quickly. If an idea fits your strategy and aligns with your goals, run with it fast.
3. Embracing the Chaos
The third surprise was how we handle having lots of things on our plate. There are always many moving parts in business, and we don’t make a fuss about it. Any business has its fair share of chaos, and learning to juggle it all without losing your mind is key.
The trick is knowing which issue is the top priority while accepting some messiness along the way. Trying to fix everything at once is a recipe for disaster. Business, much like life, isn’t always tidy, and embracing that fact makes everything easier.
Listening to Nivek’s reflections made me genuinely proud of how far we’ve come. Despite the ups and downs, whether personal challenges or business hurdles, we’ve maintained a stable, thriving operation.
This isn’t just about showcasing our success. It’s about sharing what’s worked for us so maybe it can help you too.
As you plan and dream big for the next year, keep these insights in mind. Move fast with intention, make smart decisions and thrive amidst the brilliant chaos.
LINKS
Previous episode mentioned: BTS of my decision making process, taking action and being in the liminal space
Connect with Ellie:
Doors are NOW OPEN for The Mastermind Model ellieswift.com/model
Apply for the Scalable Freedom Mastermind here
FREE Private Podcast “Inside a 7-Figure Mastermind Business” here
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
Instagram: @elliehswiftFacebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
