Reflections on Leadership, Growth, and Building for the Future

December 13, 2024

It’s an exciting time at Forward! As we prepare to welcome our new CEO, Jason Mullins, in the new year and our current CEO, Justin Bakes, transitions to the role of Executive Chairman, I can’t help but reflect on our incredible journey. Over the past 7 years at Forward, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the leadership and dedication behind building not just a successful company, but a thriving team driven by a shared purpose. Providing hard-working small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, with access to the working capital they need to succeed. We wanted to create a solution and build a mission-driven organization where talented people would be excited to run to work every day. That desire became the foundation of Forward.

The Foundation of Leadership

Looking back, I believe a few key principles have been essential to our success:

• Vision and Purpose – From day one, we’ve had a clear vision: to make working capital more accessible and empower small businesses. This purpose has fueled our passion and provided a guiding star for every decision we made.
• Transparent Communication – Open and honest communication is the foundation of our relationships with our team and our customers. We’ve worked hard to foster a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and concerns, which is vital for collaboration and dynamic problem-solving.
• Adaptability – The business world is constantly evolving, especially in the fintech industry. Our ability to adapt to new challenges, embrace change, and maintain a solutions-oriented mindset has allowed us to navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger.

Lessons Learned in Leadership

The years I’ve spent at Forward have been a masterclass in leadership. I’ve gained invaluable insights that have shaped my own leadership journey and the way I approach challenges.

• Invest in People – Our people are truly our greatest asset. We have prioritized investing in their development, providing opportunities for growth, and cultivating an environment of continuous learning. This has expanded our collective expertise and created an engaged and loyal workforce.
• Culture and Values – Defining and nurturing our company culture has been crucial. Our values based on authenticity, transparency, innovative thinking, and customer focus – have shaped our identity and guided our interactions at every touchpoint.
• Strategic Planning – Sustainable growth requires careful planning. As we evolved, we developed clear strategies, set measurable goals, and put action plans in place to achieve them – with solid communication and progress tracking all along the way. This disciplined, proactive approach has helped us stay focused and make more informed decisions with greater collaboration and alignment across the organization.

Why a Deep Leadership Bench Matters

Building a strong, diverse leadership team is essential for achieving both immediate wins and building a sustainable future.

• Driving Innovation – Leaders at all levels have expanded our collective expertise, bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to the table. This fuels innovation and allows us to explore new possibilities.
• Ensuring Continuity – A deep leadership bench helps ensure that the company can seamlessly navigate transitions, whether planned or unexpected. This creates stability and confidence, both internally and externally.
• Supporting Growth – Strong leadership is essential for scalability and building effective, resilient teams. These leaders inspire and support their people, creating a culture where individuals are empowered to grow and develop professionally, which also contributes to the organization’s overall success.

Final Thoughts

As we embrace this next chapter, I’m confident in our ability to thrive through strong leadership, collaboration, and empowering our people to succeed. By fostering a culture that values resilience and teamwork, we’re well-positioned for continued success. With deep gratitude for our exceptional team, loyal customers, and trusted partners, I’m excited to see what we can continue to achieve together.