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How To Sharpen Your Leadership Skills And Grow Your Business
Successful CEOs like Elon Musk of Tesla and Larry Page of Google often talk about the importance of multidisciplinary skills, but what does this look like in practice?
Mark Caswell is the CEO of KSM Consulting, a technology, data and management firm. This Indianapolis-based company employs more than 130 people. Caswell previously worked as a mechanical engineer for Rolls Royce on technology that won’t reach the market for “another 10 or 15 years.”
While working as an engineer, Caswell completed a computer science degree, wrote software and acquired project management and business leadership skills. Later, he pursued an MBA in Madrid. Caswell believes studied concepts from different disciplines improved his leadership style.
Hone Your Softer Skill Sets
Many CEOs must speak in front of their colleagues, peers and investors. However, public speaking terrified Caswell. Before a big speech to the U.S. Air Force, he spent hours driving around the interstate practicing his material.
“When I got out of school, frankly I was terrified to speak in front of other folks. I would tend to get shaky and muddle my words together,” he said.