Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder.

Petyr Baelish, affectionately known as Littlefinger in the hit HBO television series Game of Thrones said something very poignant in the episode, “The Climb.” He said, “Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder.” 

In the show, Baelish was nothing but a pauper, but by aligning himself with the right people and after a series of appointments, he’s found himself sitting at the same table as the royal family. He attributes his rise to power to a few calculated moves at just the right time. He noticed that while everyone else was battling with a sword for the opportunity to lead, he could stand back, and align with the victor once the dust settled.

This is a good reminder to businesses of all sizes that it doesn’t matter where you come from, it’s important to seize the opportunities presented to you. The chaos that he refers to can happen to anyone, but it’s the opportunity to try new things to pull ahead of the competition. While everyone else is battling out for a particular spot, this same chaos is the perfect opportunity to cultivate a new strength to rise above the rest.

Are you comfortable with being uncomfortable?

Check out some wise words of wisdom from one of our founding members, John Anderson of CEO Advantage –

How does one get comfortable being uncomfortable? First, he must be willing to have a long-term view and act accordingly. This is difficult because it often means making decisions that seem unpopular at the time. Great leaders are rarely considered heroes in the short-term. The most important decisions take the longest to play out, so it’s only after some time has passed that history heaps accolades on those who make them. The leader draws confidence from making the right decision rather than the popular decision. Popularity may offer external rewards, but greatness is measured in internal rewards, and this is where true comfort resides. Internal comfort coincides with external discomfort when one is comfortable being uncomfortable.

Second, start with a purpose. In Built to Last, Jim Collins defines purpose as the answer to the question, “Why do you exist beyond making money?” One might also ask, “Why do I get out of bed each morning?” Answer these questions, write down your answers, and take ownership of them, regardless of how uncomfortable it may feel at first. In fact, do it because you don’t feel comfortable doing it! If you want to achieve things you’ve never achieved, you’ve got to do things you’ve never done.

Sullivan writes, “Treat any increase of comfort in your life as only a temporary stage for establishing bigger goals…and your confidence will always be greater than your comfort.”

That’s a great place to be.

EO Detroit February Member Spotlight: Aaron Chernow,

Meet Aaron Chernow, EO Detroit Member and CEO of Brightwing. He’s this month’s member spotlight and he’s filled with insight. Get to know Aaron, his company, and his experience with EO and entrepreneurship. ‘Rise and Shine!’

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? 

The first and probably most important- passion, it’s what gets you through the tough times in business and in life.  Second, is the ability to control your emotions in order to make decisions based on sound logic and reasoning.  I believe that the balancing of these two skills is what truly makes a great entrepreneur.  Lastly, persistence. As an entrepreneur, I have experienced some great things, but I have also been through some very difficult times. You really have to possess tough skin in order to get through the rough times and come out standing on the other side stronger and smarter.

How do you generate new ideas?

I read and search.  A lot. I find reading books, articles and searching visual designs from a wide range of publications and websites really gets me thinking about not only where our industry is going, but where I want my business to go. Sometimes, my best ideas come from articles or designs that have nothing to do with our industry, but get me thinking about the value we can deliver clients in a whole new way. Another great source of inspiration for me is my own team members. I truly believe we have the brightest and the best and I rely on them daily.

Name one business failure and what have you learned from it?

Most of the failures I have experienced are around people, specifically, my expectations and assumptions of people. I’m a self-proclaimed “pusher” and I often assume that every person I work with possesses the same passion and drive to meet the potential I see in them. I have learned to first listen to other’s goals and aspirations for themselves and then create stretch opportunities while supporting them in achieving their goals.

What is your greatest business fear, and how do you manage it?

My greatest fear is failure. To me, failure means not being in control of my own destiny and that’s a very scary thing. To combat the fear of failure, I focus on being in the here and now-in the business every day, in meetings, in one-on-ones, in presentations and most importantly, at home. This practice helps me to balance between my need to control and the chaos that often comes with being an entrepreneur.

How do you define success?

Balance in my business, personal and family life defines success for me. It means being present, both in mind and body in the things that matter most in my life.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

When I see people growing and taking risks outside of their comfort zone I get motivated. When someone on my team works hard to overcome their personal resistance to change, it is immensely rewarding.  In our organization, this usually takes the form of team members changing roles or taking on new challenges they didn’t think themselves capable of.

What is one thing that no one knows about you?

I’m a professional rapper.

Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?

While I despise seeing that white box with blue writing addressed to my wife on our front porch, I admire Zappos.   They have patently redefined the shopping model by blending a superior level of customer service with a variety of shoe options that would be unheard of 15 years ago.   All this at the touch of a mouse, speed of next day shipping and convenience of making free returns, up to 365 days after receipt.

What is your favorite EO moment?

Summiting a spire in Sedona, Arizona with my Forum group is by far my most cherished EO memory.

What is your favorite thing or place in Detroit?

The Red Wings!

In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur. 

Persistence