10 Leadership Lessons from a Decade in Business

After a decade of building Keynote Search into a leading executive search firm, co-founder James Baker is taking a moment to reflect. Ten years of business growth, client wins, leadership hires, market shifts, and company milestones have offered more than just professional achievement, they’ve brought a wealth of insight.

Here are 10 of the most important lessons James has learned over the past 10 years, insights that continue to shape Keynote’s success and might just help you build yours.

1. Surround Yourself with Trusted Professionals

No founder can do it alone. The people you lean on, legal advisors, HR specialists, mentors, accountants, coaches, can make or break how smoothly your business operates. Build relationships with professionals who have your best interests at heart.

2. Build a Strong, Reliable Network

Whether it’s clients, partners, peers, or past colleagues, your network is one of your greatest assets. The right connection at the right time can open doors that no marketing campaign ever could.

3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

When you’re growing a business, there’s no shortage of fires to put out. The trick? Learn to recognize which ones actually matter. Letting go of the minor distractions frees up time and energy for what truly moves the needle.

4. Right Fit, Wrong Time Is Still Valuable

Sometimes, the timing just isn’t right, whether it’s with a hire, a client, or an opportunity. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be right down the road. Keep the door open when the chemistry is there, even if the circumstances aren’t.

5. Celebrate ALL Your Wins

It’s easy to get caught up in chasing the next goal, but pausing to celebrate wins, big or small, builds morale, reinforces culture, and reminds your team why the work matters.

6. Your Brand Is Bigger Than You Think

Your brand is more than a logo. It’s how you show up in every interaction, how people describe you when you’re not in the room, and what clients feel when they work with you. Invest in it early and often.

7. Be on a First-Name Basis with Your Finance Team

Cash flow, forecasting, and smart budgeting are the backbone of any healthy company. Build strong relationships with your finance professionals, they’re key players in your success.

8. Breaks Are a Business Strategy

Stepping away from the day-to-day, whether it’s a quick walk, a long weekend, or a full vacation, can give you clarity and creativity that no desk-bound brainstorming session ever will.

9. A Good Coach Is Worth the Investment

An executive coach isn’t just for “fixing” problems, they’re for helping you level up. A great coach will push you to think differently, grow intentionally, and lead with impact.

10. Enjoy the Journey

At the end of the day, if you’re not finding joy in what you do, something needs to change. Building a business is hard, but it should also be fulfilling, energizing, and yes, even fun.

Looking Ahead

These 10 lessons have shaped the journey of Keynote Search, but they’re just the beginning. As we look ahead to the future, we remain grounded in the people, partnerships, and purpose that got us here, and excited for what’s next.

If you’re building something great and looking for leadership that can help take your company further, we’d love to connect. Contact us to find the right executive leader for your team.