More and more women are now making major strides in the business world, and one of them is Arianna Huffington. This Greek- American author and journalist is the co-founder of The Huffington Post (HuffPost) – a popular news and opinion website that covers politics, business, entertainment, technology, and a whole lot of other topics. It was acquired by AOL in 2011 for more than US$300 million, and Huffington was named the President and Editor-in-Chief of The Huffington Post Media Group.
In 2009, Huffington earned the 12th spot in Forbes’ first-ever list of the Most Influential Women in Media. She’s also listed by the same media company as the 52nd Most Powerful Woman in the World in 2014. She stepped down from her role in HuffPost in 2016 and focused on Thrive Global, her new corporate and consumer well-being startup. With Huffington’s achievements, she truly deserves to be on the list of today’s top female entrepreneurs and is worthy of being emulated by other business owners like you. Here are five inspiring lessons that you can learn from her and apply to your business.
Do What You Love and Align it With the Zeitgeist
For Arianna Huffington, her truest motivation comes from doing what she loves and she feels blessed and grateful for this. She launched The Huffington Post in 2005 when she realized that her passion for conversation and connection converges with what is happening in the world. She saw the importance of moving the conversations and spirit of the times online. This is probably one of the keys to the website’s success.
“For me, the most successful enterprises are always when the entrepreneur’s passion matches something happening in the zeitgeist,” she says. You, too, can pick your passion and tap this with the zeitgeist to help your business succeed.
Relaxation and Space are Important to Think and Innovate
Feel like taking a nap or reading a new book during work hours? Go ahead! Arianna Huffington believes that the best ideas come when you are relaxed, not when you are stressed. Forcing yourself to work when you’re burnt out won’t produce good results. Like devices, she said that we need to disconnect and decompress sometimes.
According to her, “Creating the culture of burnout is opposite to creating a culture of sustainable creativity…This mentality needs to be introduced as a leadership and performance-enhancing tool.” Adapting this HuffPost culture can work wonders for your company.
Accept and Learn from Failure
Failure is part of running a business and entrepreneurs need to face and address the possibility of failing. Things won’t be successful all the time. For Huffington, “The difference between success and failure is perseverance and not giving up after one or two or three failures. Just keep connecting to that place where failure doesn’t matter.”
You might encounter failures as you grow your business. Just think of them as your stepping stone to success. Persevere, stay focused on your goals, and you’ll soon become successful.
Trust Your Intuition
Huffington once said, “If you are not in touch with your intuition, you cannot be successful.” She believes that by following your gut, you’ll discover the true potential of things and opportunities. She also applies this principle when hiring employees. She knows immediately if it’s a ‘no’ or a ‘yes’ and follows the rule, “If in doubt: Don’t.”
Focus on Abundance and What Gives You Hope
As a journalist and an entrepreneur, Huffington is committed to transforming the world. She believes that it’s important to focus on hope, abundance, and surpluses and not on shortages. Pay attention to what is not working, but don’t forget to put the spotlight on what’s working. In HuffPost, there’s a section called Impact, which focuses on stories of hope and what people are doing to change the world.
Arianna Huffington is certainly making waves in the corporate world. With her hard work, leadership skills, and principles, she has led HuffPost to become one of today’s biggest media companies. Her venture, Thrive Global is achieving success, as well. Entrepreneurs like you can surely benefit from the lessons, tips, and experiences she shares with the world.
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Visit our other blogs featuring female business leaders for our business lessons series:
- Inspiring Business Tips from Tory Burch
- Infographic: Business Lessons from Top Women Entrepreneurs
- Smart Business Insights from General Motors CEO Mary Barra
- Valuable Business Lessons from Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi
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