Graham McConnell, CEO and co-founder of Nth Round, gave an interview with Executive Aspect, a leading podcast on millennial entrepreneurship, about being a team leader, inspirations on becoming an entrepreneur, and insights on private business equity management.
Graham, 28, discussed the transition from a “behind the scenes” corporate software engineer to a manager for all aspects of running a company. In starting Nth Round in 2018 after working for various companies—from a start-up to an institutional investment manager—Graham tells the story about how he first sat down to write all the things he appreciated in his previous bosses. That has helped him to guide his own management style, “When you start having people work for you…all it comes down to is ‘are you enabling people to do the work they want to do?’”
From marketing, sales, development, and more, Graham’s leadership style focuses on “management by walking around” and being a “cheerleader” for his team. He thrives on conducting daily organic conversations with teammates, sometimes not even having to do with business. Rather, having casual interaction with members of his staff allows for him to find ways in supporting them, which motivates everyone to bring their best to the table. “Take none of the credit and all of the blame. Give credit to others because that’s where it’s due,” Graham said.
Asked by host Josh Marcolino what gives Graham a unique “x factor” as a leader, he answered, “My ability to listen and not be the loudest voice in the room; everyone around you is much more specialized [than you are] and you need to trust their perspective.” Graham also credited his dad, Nth Round’s other co-founder Chris McConnell, for fostering his outlook on leadership.
To download the entire interview with Graham’s take on Nth Round’s emerging business as an equity management platform click Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.
Learn more about Nth Round by visiting nthround.com
