André Eikmeier, Founder Of Good Empire

André Eikmeier is the Founder of Good Empire. André is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. André provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of Good Empire. André Eikmeier joins other leading Bestselling Authors, International Speakers & Entrepreneur, and Founder’s taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team is delighted to have André join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.

Let’s start by telling us about your business.

Good Empire is a platform for personal, social and environmental impact programs and projects that gather, unite and empower people to live more purposeful and impactful lives.

Think of it as B Corp for people.

Q: Please tell us how you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?

Everything we do is about empowerment through action, whether it’s someone wanting to live more sustainably, or become a better champion of equality, we help people lead by example to affect change, rather than feeling powerless against government or industry. Uniting as a community who share a similar vision for the world we want to live in, and are prepared to do something about it – that creates a real bond.

Q: Please tell us the one thing that separates your business from the competition?

There are a lot of wonderful organisations – change.org, Global Citizen – gathering and uniting good people to rally or petition or protest for policy change. That’s great, and needed, but can also leave us feeling powerless to change things. Good Empire is about empowerment through personal action. Changing the way we live and connect and consume to drive change, rather than activism. They work hand in hand. We’re all collaborators, not competitors. We all share a similar goal.

Q: And to finish this section, Please tell us what is the one major key to your company’s success?

Our programs are inclusive and accessible. From our tone, which is not asking for perfection, nor passing judgement, to our “pay what you can” model and hardship exemption sponsorships, anyone can change their lives and the impact they have on the world.

Q: For our readers just starting to build a company, what advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?

Make it something you care about. Something that you feel strongly or passionately about. Use your heart, not just your head – don’t just look for a gap in the market around something you don’t actually care about. It’s a long haul, with a lot of personal and emotional challenges. It’s your connection with purpose that will get you through the dark times and through the walls.

Q: For entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what big piece of advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?

Listen to the resistance. Know yourself, and know your purpose and your end vision, and stay true to your values, but be open and agile with your proposition. Don’t expect it all to be smooth, absolutely not, but usually, resistance or obstacles are telling you something. Think of yourself as a pinball. Try to stay rolling, don’t worry about getting bounced around, that’s normal, but don’t try to force your way through every obstacle. Work your way around that over and through.

Q: In today’s fast changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?

I didn’t invest in a network and an ecosystem like I should have. Connect with your industry, connect with the startup world, globally and locally. Spend a bit of time each morning or afternoon reading. Learning. Communicate. Join stuff. Build a support network around you that can keep you inspired.

It’s as much about feeling connected and part of something bigger as it is about keeping up to date with what’s going on.

Q: What is your “Why”? In one sentence, why do you get up in the morning?

I want to live in a more equal, abundant and sustainable world, and I want to be able to say to myself and my kids and their kids and their kids that I did something about it.

Q: In one sentence, what is the most important thing one has to do to be a great leader?

Know thyself and keep on growing.

Q: In one sentence, describe how important your customers are to your business?

We are nothing without our community – we ARE our community, and the impact we have TOGETHER.

Q: In one sentence, describe a positive way that technology can make the world a better place?

NOT by making things ever more convenient – that’s what’s got us into this mess – but through bringing us together, helping us better understand each other, and finding sustainable alternatives to all the damage we’ve done to ourselves and the planet.

Q: In one sentence, tell us how something positive to motivate our readers?

You can do it – you can choose the life you want to live, make a plan, and start living it, today; only you can stop you, truly.

Q: In one sentence, tell us how you start your day to get ready?

Bit of improvised meditation in bed to get my head right, make coffee, connect properly with the kids and get them off to a good start, and look at the objectives in my sprint to plan my day.

Q: In one sentence, describe how you handle rejection and setback?

It’s hard, it hurts, don’t let anyone tell you it’s not, but finding my own truth, and keeping touch with my vision, my north star puts every rejection and setback into perspective, and I try to learn and move on.

Q: In one sentence, describe what your hiring philosophy is?

Aligned purpose and values is number one, and I like entrepreneurs, I look for people with strategic minds who like to roll their sleeves up and take ownership.

Q: In one sentence, describe how you keep your sanity in a competitive business environment?

I don’t think about competition, I try to focus on my vision and the experience I create for my community. And wine. Wine is good.

André Eikmeier, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We appreciate you participating in this important roundtable interview series, and helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader. We wish you, your family, and of course Good Empire, nothing but the best.

Website
goodempire.org

Twitter
@andre_eikmeier

Facebook
/AndreEikmeier

LinkedIn
/andreeikmeier

Instagram
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