In a recent episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship, I had the privilege of speaking with Monique Hayward, Chief Marketing Officer and Founder of Enactify AI.
Enactify AI was born out of our founder’s epiphany that PDFs should not be stuck in a bygone technological era, Enactify orchestrates an immersive, interactive experience that transcends the ordinary. Their solutions take your documents from static to sensational with an intuitive, powerful, next-generation digital experience platform.
Our conversation touched on critical aspects of scaling a business, storytelling in marketing, and how to build resilience—a toolkit for today’s entrepreneurs. Here’s a breakdown of the insights Monique shared.
Read: Business Insights from Monique Hayward: Scaling, Storytelling, and Staying Resilient
Surround Yourself with Honest Allies
One thing Monique shared was the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are straightforward and genuinely interested in your success. She emphasized that entrepreneurs should have people in their corner who won’t just hype them up, but will provide honest feedback, even if it’s hard to hear.
As Monique put it, “Don’t be afraid to kill your baby,” meaning don’t become so attached to your idea that you ignore flaws or opportunities for improvement. These allies are the ones who will tell you if your business idea needs to pivot or if it’s ready to go to market as is.
This is especially relevant in an era where social media and personal branding can sometimes create echo chambers. It’s crucial to seek out advisors, mentors, or even peers who challenge you and keep you grounded. They’re the ones who will help refine your ideas and connect you to the right opportunities—making your network not just a sounding board but a true asset.
Always Be Storytelling, Not Just Selling
Monique brought up the concept of “always be storytelling” instead of “always be selling.” She shared a story about attending a birthday party, where a casual conversation about her role as CMO led to valuable fundraising contacts for her startup. This is a powerful example of how storytelling in casual, genuine settings can create unexpected opportunities.
In today’s business landscape, customers and investors alike are drawn to stories they can connect with. When you explain your business through a relatable narrative, it creates a personal connection, which is far more compelling than a standard sales pitch. As Monique reminded us, “You never know who might connect you to the right opportunity.”
Storytelling also applies to branding. Whether through color schemes, logos, or consistent messaging, great brands build an emotional connection.
Think about AT&T’s campaigns highlighting hidden fees in airlines or Target’s clever use of red—these aren’t just ads; they’re carefully crafted stories designed to resonate with an audience on a deeper level.
Scaling Yourself, Your Team, and Your Solution
Monique provided a clear and actionable framework for scaling a business: scale yourself, scale your team, and then scale your solution.
Scaling Yourself
Monique acknowledged that as founders, it’s tempting to hold onto every aspect of the business. But eventually, you have to let go of certain responsibilities to stay focused on what matters most. “You can’t be the CEO, the CMO, and the CFO,” she reminded us.
Founders need to recognize when it’s time to delegate and bring in specialists with the expertise to take the company forward.
Scaling Your Team
Building a strong, empowered team is crucial. Monique noted that micromanaging or failing to delegate only hinders growth. According to a recent Monster.com survey, almost 75% of employees see micromanagement as a major warning sign in a workplace. Additionally, nearly half—46%—say they would consider quitting a job over it.
For a business to scale effectively, everyone on the team must understand and take ownership of their role in the company’s success. Empowering your team and fostering a collaborative culture drives loyalty, creativity, and better outcomes overall.
Scaling the Solution
Infrastructure and customer proof points are the backbone of scaling your solution. Monique advised entrepreneurs to focus on building a solid base before attempting rapid growth.
She shared her experience of starting with a single customer case study before expanding to other markets, demonstrating the importance of organic growth based on proven success. Financial prudence and strategic planning in this phase help avoid premature expansion or “hockey sticking” that lacks a solid foundation.
Before scaling, I encourage entrepreneurs to fully understand their total cost of doing business. For example, if an entrepreneur currently rents a truck and hires a driver for shipping and receiving, they should consider how much it would cost to actually purchase a truck and employ a driver directly.
This comparison can reveal potential long-term savings or expenses that impact the decision to scale.
The Elevator Pitch: Define Your Value Proposition
Monique’s advice on elevator pitches was a reminder that you never know when you’ll have to quickly sell your idea.
Imagine running into someone influential (like, say, Morgan Freeman!) in an elevator, and you only have a few floors to convey your vision. Can you do it?
Your elevator pitch should clearly articulate your value proposition—what you offer, why it matters, and how it’s unique.
Having a well-crafted, concise pitch not only increases your chances of sparking interest in chance encounters but also helps clarify your mission and goals.
When you understand your value deeply enough to summarize it, you’ll find it much easier to communicate with potential partners, investors, and clients in any setting.
Fostering Resilience: Strategies for Sustaining and Growing Your Business
Monique also shared her insights on resilience, both personally and within a business. She explained that resilience doesn’t just mean surviving tough times, but building systems that sustain you through uncertainty.
From her own experiences with the 2008 financial crisis, Monique highlighted the importance of financial discipline and not overextending resources. Whether you’re in the early stages or scaling, keeping financial health at the forefront can protect you in downturns and set you up for long-term success.
My own mantra—“Embrace growth, seek knowledge, and lead with purpose”—is a reminder that resilience is about adaptability. The more open you are to learning and evolving, the more likely you are to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
Looking to the Future: Giving Back and Mentoring
Toward the end of our conversation, Monique reflected on her career and her passion for giving back. As an experienced entrepreneur who has already launched multiple ventures, she expressed a desire to step into a mentorship role to help the next generation of founders succeed.
Her journey emphasizes that building a legacy in business isn’t just about personal success; it’s also about sharing knowledge and uplifting others in your community.
As entrepreneurs, we often look forward to achieving our own goals, but Monique’s approach serves as a reminder of the value of mentorship. Building something meaningful includes helping others on their journey, creating a cycle of knowledge, support, and growth within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Stream and Subscribe for More Entrepreneurial Insights
My conversation with Monique Hayward was packed with invaluable insights for entrepreneurs at every stage.
From mastering the art of storytelling and scaling your business to building a resilient mindset and seeking genuine feedback, Monique shared a powerful reminder: success in business is a team effort, fueled by a clear mission and the courage to adapt and grow.
If you’re building a brand, expanding your team, or looking for ways to give back, Monique’s advice offers a practical roadmap to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
What are you waiting for? Don’t miss out—stream the episode now and subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring conversations.
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