Guillaume Dehan, Founder & CEO of Supergenerous, Talks Success
We catch up with Guillaume Dehan, Founder & CEO of Supergenerous, to talk about success, his morning routine and what makes him tick.
What’s your morning routine?
I kick off the day with a HIIT session early in the morning (I recently joined the cult of F45 and am loving it), then get ready and listen to either some music, news or a podcast while having breakfast.
On the days my kids are with my partner and I, then a good French breakfast which involves a croissant, pain au chocolat or baguette and FaceTiming with the family back in Europe. Then, it’s the standard school-run before getting to the office.
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
Learning to kite-surf.
Learning to fly (a small plane).
See the Aurora Australis/Borealis.
How do you stay motivated?
By remaining focussed on the bigger picture – helping charitable organisations do more good in their communities through Supergenerous. I think feeling you have a purpose that is larger than yourself really helps to keep you motivated.
What advice would you give your 20 year-old self?
Embrace every opportunity to discover the world and its cultures. Find what makes you happy.
What is the secret to success?
Love what you do. Do what you love. Become good at what you do.
What is the worst mistake you’ve made and how did you fix it?
I can’t think of a specific worst mistake, but the thing to remember about mistakes is that everyone makes them – it’s human nature! I have made my fair share of them, and will probably make some more, but what is in my control is how I learn from them and take action to avoid making them again.
What is your advice for people to fund their dream?
I’d say see what you can do on your own to start with! Not every business needs investment – start with a prototype, test it with your target market and listen to the feedback you receive. Whether you go on to run a profitable business straight away, or need venture capital to help grow, you don’t need a tonne of money to make a start. If you do need funding to take your dream to the next level, look for value-aligned investors when considering raising capital. Also work with people who magnify your vision and who can open the doors you need.
What is the best bit of advice, or quote, that resonates with you?
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan, OBE.
This inspired me, among other things, to start Supergenerous.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
At the moment, it is Little Bird Kitchen. I like their healthy, tasty and original menu.
What makes you feel alive?
Watching my kids grow up and experience life e.g. score goals at Futsal or perform on stage with their Kapa Haka group does wonders to put things in perspective.