A former international health care executive who recently started a media production and distribution company in Orem, Utah, shared insights into his successes, failures and challenges over the years with BYU-Hawaii students in the latest entrepreneurship lecture.
BYU-Hawaii professor Bill Hsu invited his brother-in-law, Gregory K. Brough [pictured at right], founder and CEO of Candlelight Media Group, Inc., to deliver the Jan. 28 School of Business entrepreneurship lecture. Brough, who graduated from BYU in 1972 in accounting, spent the majority of his career in the health care industry, including overseas assignments in Brazil, Central America, Spain and the Philippines. He also served as a mission president in Brazil.
"Wherever I've gone, I've been able to enjoy the people and diversities, but I wish I had this kind of experience when I was a student," Brough said of the entrepreneurship lecture series."
He added that he shared his "experiences and failures so you won't have to make the same mistakes we did. You shouldn't be afraid to fail."
Brough encouraged the students to "pay their dues" early in their careers: "By doing the basics, you gain experience and knowledge. If you do well what you're supposed to do, other opportunities will open up. People will remember what you do well, and what you don't do well."
He also encouraged the students to "realize your dreams, and dream big: In our lives, in our school work, in everything we do, we need to set goals and work toward their achievement." In setting those goals, however, Brough stressed the importance of balancing church, family, personal and temporal affairs.
Brough said, "As we continue in our life, we need to keep learning. Things are changing dramatically. You've got to stay ahead."
He suggested all business people should stay current by reading business periodicals, and attending seminars and trade shows. "You also need to learn to network: It's what you know, who you know, and who you network with. You need to keep that network going."
"Try new things out. Get outside your comfort zones, and just do it. Take calculated risks...and be willing to pioneer," Brough said. "I'm pioneering now in the media. Two years ago I didn't know anything about it, but I'm learning. It's in that learning process that we grow."
Brough explained when he and his wife formed their family media company with their three children who are all communications graduates from BYU, "we were dependent on our 25-year-old son, [a film major] who knew the technical side of the business. We made mistakes, we've learned from them, and we're growing and very excited about the things on the horizon."
"Take care of your own underlying business. Build your résumé. Ask yourselves, how will what you're doing look on your résumé. You want to show you're continually growing. Toot your own horn. Don't brag, but let people know what you're doing," Brough said.
Brough added, "Find a mentor. Look for more than one. It helps. Be a team player, and use the term 'we' a lot," also advising the students to guard against "possible pitfalls," such as spending too many hours on the job, having to make difficult decisions or unexpectedly having to change jobs.
"Unfortunately, the business world is changing. In light of that, you've got to look out for yourself and be prepared. Don't get me wrong, we should be loyal and give our employer our very best, but keep things in proper perspective. Many times in your career you'll face adversity and trial," Brough said, pointing out that firing people, which could also drastically affect their families, and making other unpopular decisions are tough.
"Sometimes you're faced with challenges to your integrity. If you were with Enron, how would you have responded," Brough asked.
He added other difficult situations might include betrayal from colleagues, getting frozen out, changes in direction, culture, or company ownership. "These things can bring a great deal of stress. How you deal with these trials make a difference. Remember who's really important."
"Prayer is also essential. Remember, your Heavenly Father wants you to succeed," Brough said, who pointed out the Book of Mormon example where the Lord delivered His people "through the trial, not from the trial. Eventually, adversity comes to an end."