Permission to Screw Up

“Things don’t go according to plan and that is the plan.”

Kristen Hadeed unintentionally launched Student Maid, a cleaning company that hires students, while attending the University of Florida in 2007. Since then, Student Maid has employed hundreds of people and is widely recognized for its industry-leading retention rate and its culture of trust, accountability, and compassion. But Kristen and her company were no overnight sensa­tion. In fact, they were almost nothing at all.

In this episode, I chat to Kristen about her journey and all that she’s learnt. A few months into starting her new venture, with little knowledge of how to lead her business, disaster struck and 75 percent of her cleaning team quit on the same day. She’s learnt the hard way but what she’s learnt is gold – she shares all in this interview.

Topics of discussion 

• How to be a greater leader. People priority, vulnerability, accountability.
• Embrace failures and not being afraid of screwing up.
• Thoughts on how to empower people.
• Business planning and preperation tricks.
• Accountability in the workplace. FBI model.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Planning and switching off.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Not to be so hard on me and Failing is a part of the process.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Success changes. You have to redefine your definition of it.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity?

Reading.  

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change in their life?

Be patient. Ask yourself, “what needs to be changed?”

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Sushi or BBQ

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Haning out with my family and watching movies.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Permission to Screw Up: How I Learned to Lead by Doing (Almost) Everything Wrong by Kristen Hadeed

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“Things don’t go according to plan and that is the plan.”

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Absolutltey. It takes a lot of time to figure out what that is.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Your purpose is your contribution. The impact you have in the world. What moments have given you most joy or fulfilment? Make the connection – that’s your purpose.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

Helping people reach their potential.

How to connect with Kristen below. 

Connect at her website – Kristen Hadeed.

Her companay is Student Maid. 

And you can find her on most social media platforms under Kristen Hadeed.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.