Name: Theo Arrnaz

Title: Founder - Managing Director

Organisation: Arbo Global

I'm Theo Arranz, with over 15 years of experience in the service and high-end hospitality industry. My latest venture, Arbo Global, is more than just a business; it's a passion project. This peer-to-peer concierge service marketplace is set to revolutionize how we access services and experiences. With an impressive list of 250+ listings already lined up, we're ready to shake up the traditional marketplace.

Arbo Global is all about sharing, trust, and mutual respect. These values underpin everything we do, and I'm excited about creating a sustainable and community-oriented future. Our mission is to make high-quality experiences and services accessible and reliable, and I believe we can change the game.

But the most exciting part is that I'm not on this journey alone. I'm inviting like-minded individuals to join me in shaping a brighter future through Arbo Global. It's an opportunity to be part of this groundbreaking vision and redefine the service industry.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

As a leader, I've found one of the most challenging aspects to be striking the right balance between maintaining a clear vision and being open to adapting and innovating. It can be difficult to hold onto your core values and objectives while staying flexible enough to adjust to changes and new information. In a rapidly evolving landscape, especially in the startup world, being open to feedback and new ideas while maintaining a strong sense of purpose is a delicate challenge. However, it's also one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership, as it leads to growth and innovation within the organization.

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

My journey to becoming a leader has been a combination of education, experience, and a drive to make a positive impact.

It all began with my educational background in high-end hospitality and service industry management. I spent over 15 years working in this industry, gaining invaluable experience in understanding customer needs and delivering exceptional service. During this time, I developed a deep appreciation for the value of a customer-centric approach.

The desire to create something innovative and impactful led me to start Arbo Global. I realized there was a gap in the market for a peer-to-peer concierge service marketplace that could connect people with unique, high-end experiences and services. Arbo Global is the culmination of this vision. It's a platform that enables hosts to offer their services, and guests to access these services with ease, all within their local communities.

Becoming a leader in this context was a natural progression. I've had the privilege of leading the development of Arbo Global, shaping its vision, and assembling a dedicated team to bring this vision to life. Through Arbo Global, I aim to lead not just a business but also a movement towards more sustainable, community-oriented, and trustworthy service sharing.

In essence, my journey to leadership has been about recognizing opportunities, pursuing a passion for service and innovation, and harnessing my experience to make a positive impact in the world of peer-to-peer concierge services.

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

As an entrepreneur and leader, structuring my workdays effectively is crucial to juggling various responsibilities and ensuring I'm productive. Here's an overview of a typical workday:

Morning Routine (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM):

I start my day early, typically around 6:00 AM.

Mornings are dedicated to personal well-being, so I engage in activities like exercise, meditation, or reading, to get my mind and body in the right state for the day ahead.

I have a healthy breakfast to fuel my energy levels.

Planning and Prioritization (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM):

After my morning routine, I delve into work-related activities.

I review my to-do list, set priorities, and identify the key tasks for the day.

I also respond to any urgent emails and messages.

Morning Work Block (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

I focus on my most critical and challenging tasks during this block.

This is the time when I'm most productive, so I handle strategic decisions, team meetings, and high-level planning.

I often work on Arbo Global's development during this period.

Lunch and Short Break (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM):

I take a break to recharge and have lunch.

This is a chance to briefly disconnect from work and clear my mind.

Afternoon Work Block (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM):

In the afternoons, I address tasks that require less focus.

This includes reviewing reports, managing operational aspects of Arbo Global, and liaising with the team.

I may also schedule external meetings and partnerships during this time.

Family and Personal Time (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM):

Balancing work and life is crucial, so I set aside time for family, personal pursuits, or relaxation.

This helps me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM):

I use the evening for tasks that don't require intense focus.

This can include responding to emails, reviewing progress, and planning for the next day.

Unwinding (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM):

To unwind, I usually spend time with my family, read, or engage in a hobby.

I find this is crucial for destressing and preparing for a good night's sleep.

Night Routine (10:00 PM - 11:00 PM):

I maintain a structured night routine to ensure a good night's sleep, which includes reducing screen time and relaxation techniques.

I aim to get around 7-8 hours of sleep to stay well-rested.

This structure allows me to balance work, family, and personal well-being while effectively leading Arbo Global. Flexibility is also important, as each day can bring its unique challenges and opportunities in the entrepreneurial world.

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

A recent leadership lesson that has been reinforced for me is the importance of adaptability and resilience. As a leader of Arbo Global, I'm constantly navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship, and the COVID-19 pandemic brought about unique challenges and opportunities.

The pandemic taught me that no matter how well you plan, unexpected disruptions can occur. Leaders need to swiftly adapt to changing circumstances, be resilient, and think creatively to find solutions. The ability to pivot the business model, reassess priorities, and maintain the team's motivation became critical.

Additionally, this period reaffirmed the significance of empathetic leadership. Understanding and addressing the emotional needs of the team during times of uncertainty is essential. Open and transparent communication, support for remote work, and flexible scheduling helped keep our team motivated and committed.

In a rapidly evolving business environment, the ability to adapt, stay resilient, and lead with empathy is paramount. It's a lesson I've been reminded of and continue to apply as Arbo Global grows and faces new challenges.

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?

One book that profoundly impacted my leadership journey is "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" by Sheryl Sandberg. Although I'm not a woman, the book's central theme of encouraging women to pursue leadership roles and its discussion of gender equality in the workplace made me reflect deeply on the broader issues of diversity and inclusivity.

This book taught me the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment at Arbo Global. It's not just about gender equality, but also about providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of their backgrounds, identities, or experiences.

"Lean In" inspired me to be a more conscious and inclusive leader. It encouraged me to listen to the voices of all team members, ensure everyone has a seat at the table, and actively support their professional growth. It reinforced the idea that diversity isn't just a moral imperative, but also a powerful driver of innovation and success.

As I've implemented these principles into the core values of Arbo Global, it has not only made our team stronger but also broadened our perspectives, increased our adaptability, and led to more creative solutions to the challenges we face. This book has had a profound impact on my leadership style and how I shape the culture of the company.

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

If I could offer one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to never stop learning and growing. The leadership journey is a continuous process, and the best leaders are those who remain curious, adaptable, and open to new ideas.

Read books, attend workshops, seek mentors, and always be receptive to feedback. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they are some of the most valuable learning experiences. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

Additionally, remember that leadership is not about being in control; it's about empowering and enabling your team. Surround yourself with talented individuals who challenge and complement your skills. A strong team can achieve far more than any individual.

Finally, lead with integrity and authenticity. Be true to your values and principles. Authentic leadership builds trust and respect, which are the foundations of effective leadership. Stay humble, and never lose sight of the fact that leadership is a journey, not a destination.

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

One meaningful story from my journey as a leader revolves around the pursuit of my own purpose and the valuable lessons I learned through numerous experiences and some early failures. From a young age, I've explored various jobs and entrepreneurial endeavors, which often led to setbacks and disappointments.

These early challenges, while discouraging at times, ultimately became a source of profound personal growth. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. I learned that failure is not a roadblock but a stepping stone to success. These experiences helped me discover what truly resonated with me and where my passions and skills intersected.

As I continued my journey, I found my purpose in creating and leading Arbo Global, a platform that bridges the gap in the concierge industry. It's through these trials and errors that I gained the knowledge, wisdom, and experience that now enables me to guide and support those who surround me. I've come to understand that it's often the rocky path, with its valuable lessons and personal growth, that leads to clarity and fulfillment in one's purpose.

This story reinforces the idea that failure is a crucial part of the journey to becoming an effective leader. It's not the stumbles themselves that matter but how you learn from them and use those lessons to inspire and lead others toward their own successes.