Meet Chris! In this conversation, Chris Williams, CEO of System 6, shares his journey from finance to leading a successful outsourced accounting firm. He discusses the importance of community, the unique ecosystem of buying small businesses, and the appeal of the accounting industry.
Chris emphasizes the significance of culture and leadership in business growth, as well as the challenges faced during this transformation. He also reflects on his day-to-day responsibilities as a CEO, especially with a newborn at home.
In this conversation, Chris Williams shares his insights on leadership, time management, and the importance of setting clear expectations within a team. He discusses the balance between recurring responsibilities and strategic projects, the lessons learned from his leadership journey, and the significance of hiring the right people for business growth. Chris emphasizes a people-first approach to leadership, advocating for open communication and accountability, while also reflecting on his personal interests and the challenges of balancing work and family life.
Takeaways
- Chris emphasizes the importance of community in both personal and professional life.
- Success is not just about the outcome, but also about the energy you derive from your work.
- The ecosystem for buying small businesses has grown significantly in recent years.
- Recurring revenue models are crucial for stability in business.
- The accounting industry is essential and resilient, even during economic downturns.
- Culture and people are at the core of a successful business.
- Growth often brings new challenges that require strategic leadership.
- Hiring the right people is critical as a business scales.
- Transforming a business involves creating a management layer for sustainability.
- Tracking time can help prioritize high-value tasks in a busy schedule. Half of my time is allocated to strategic projects.
- It's crucial to vocalize expectations to the team.
- Hiring is a core motion for a growing business.
- You should feel like you work with your boss, not for your boss.
- Setting clear expectations leads to better performance.
- Understanding client fit is essential for business health.
- You need to build structure around your work schedule.
- It's important to find peace along the journey.
- Hiring well is as important as delivering services.
- You have to be comfortable being alone as a leader.
Sound Bites
"Life is not just about succeeding."
"Our business is a people business."
"I'm here to serve the team."
"Speak your mind faster."
"It's about what the business needs."
"It's not just about the revenue."
"You have to be comfortable being alone."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chris Williams and System 6
03:00 Chris's Unique Path to Accounting
05:48 The Ecosystem of Buying Small Businesses
09:58 The Appeal of Outsourced Accounting
17:03 Transforming System 6: Growth and Culture
23:51 Navigating Challenges in Business Growth
28:07 Day-to-Day Life as a CEO
28:58 Managing Time and Priorities
32:44 Lessons Learned in Leadership
37:36 Setting Expectations and Accountability
40:10 Hiring for Growth
43:20 Short-Term Goals and Business Strategy
46:42 People-First Leadership Approach
49:55 Personal Insights and Interests Connect with Chris:
LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-williams-68057029/
