Name: Cedrick Webb

Title: CEO

Organisation: Smart Digital

Cedrick Webb is the CEO of Smart Digital. He's passionate about helping small businesses and developing leaders. Smart Digital focuses on smart digital marketing for small businesses.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Cedrick's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

What I find most challenging is managing growth in a controlled manner. As a leader, I'm not only responsible for the growth of the business but also the growth and development of the leaders under me. Sometimes, I want to grow too fast, too soon. I’m learning more about controlled growth.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Leadership is a lifestyle, not a position. I started becoming a leader the day I realized that if I wanted to see a change, then it was up to me to make those changes and bring people with me. Fear always held me back from being a leader, and I must make intentional decisions to face those fears. That’s where the growth opportunities reside.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I’m a big fan of to-do lists. It feels good to cross things off the list. It’s all about creating momentum and positivity. I set goals and make lists, yet simultaneously try to leave my schedule flexible enough to tend to any other needs that may arise. I must always leave a margin to make myself available to those entrusted to my leadership.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Self-care should be a top priority. I can’t effectively lead others if I can’t lead myself. I’ve got to slow down and ensure I am healthy. My people will only go as far as I can lead them. For me, this comes in learning to find balance in all aspects of my life.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

It’s actually a biblically-based book, “Be The Leader You Were Meant To Be” by Leroy Eims. It helped me understand the calling to leadership and to begin where I was. I never felt fit to lead, but knew I needed to step up to lead. So many great leaders have had to face their fears and learn to become a leader.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Leadership is not a position. It’s a lifestyle. You are not a leader because of a skillset you have, and you are a leader because of a mindset you have.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

The man who mentored me always said, “Wherever you are going, bring people with you.” I liked that. To me, it means that I must be missional in my growth and leadership. If I am growing as a leader, I should develop leaders alongside me. We should constantly be raising up leaders.