Name: Joneta Bytyqi

Title: Founder & CEO of Firstlance

Organisation: Firstlance

A driven individual with a profound love for design and a knack for entrepreneurial ventures. With a rich background in Graphic and UX design, I've honed my skills to create captivating visual experiences that blend aesthetics with functionality.

As an entrepreneur, I've taken my passion for design to new heights by founding Kosovo's first freelancing platform. Guided by a vision to empower local talents and foster a vibrant creative community, I've established a platform that connects skilled freelancers with clients seeking top-notch design solutions.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Developing and executing a clear and effective long-term strategy for the organization can be challenging, especially with uncertainty in the business environment.

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

I always wanted to have a business of my own since I was a child, I worked as a freelancer for over 7 years form my home and I already was the boss of my self . Creating a team was the most amazing process , I asked people that I knew were right for my industry and hired them to create something new.

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

I wake up at 7:00 AM clear my head and start working until 5:00 PM after that I take taime being on my phone eating dinner and taking a shower before bed at 11:00 PM.

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

Adaptability and Resilience: One of the lessons that have been reinforced for many leaders is the importance of adaptability and resilience, particularly in the face of unexpected and disruptive events. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, challenged me and all leaders across various sectors to adapt quickly to remote work, changing market conditions, and the well-being of their teams. I had to learn or be reminded that a flexible and adaptable leadership style is crucial in times of crisis or uncertainty. This means being open to change, making decisions based on evolving information, and showing resilience in the face of setbacks. Additionally, leaders have recognized the importance of providing support, guidance, and reassurance to their teams during challenging times to maintain morale and productivity.

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?

"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek is a book that has resonated with numerous leaders and individuals interested in leadership. This book emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and people-centric work culture. Simon Sinek discusses the concept of "servant leadership," where leaders prioritize the well-being of their team members. He explores how leaders who are willing to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of their teams tend to inspire trust, loyalty, and high performance.

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

Embrace Continuous Learning and Adaptation: In the dynamic world of leadership, the ability to learn, adapt, and grow is invaluable. Make a commitment to lifelong learning, seek out opportunities for personal and professional development, and remain open to new ideas and perspectives. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth, and be willing to adapt your leadership style and strategies as the situation requires. A commitment to learning and adaptation will help you stay effective and relevant as a leader throughout your career.

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

The Story of Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, is often cited as a profound example of leadership. He spent 27 years in prison for his role in the fight against apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation. After his release, he became South Africa's first black president and worked to dismantle apartheid and establish a multi-racial democracy.