Three Years of Modu: The Road So far | Modu Musing
Dec 1, 2024
Three Years of Modu: The Road So far
The 1st December marks three years since I became CEO of Modu and going into this period of my career as a first time CEO, I had no idea just how much leading a business demands - professionally, personally and emotionally. Scaling a business isn’t a straight line; it’s a series of steps into the unknown, often guided more by belief than certainty.
Over these 3 years,we've encountered the harsh realities of business, dynamics that change in an instant. The moments when people act in ways that would be unthinkable in other parts of life, callous behaviour that wouldn't just harm our business but our families too. I’ve experienced profound loss with the sudden passing of my Dad and I’ve learned the importance of prioritising health to balance the weight of leadership.
Through it all, myself, Thomas Barnett and Julian Browne have held onto our belief in Modu, in our people and in the power of what we’re building. The last couple of years have been remarkable despite the difficult market conditions. We've grown significantly when others told us it wouldn't be possible.
What have we learned so far?
1. Respect what has gone before
In our work, we often encounter decisions made years ago, involving processes, systems and strategies that form the foundation of our clients’ businesses. It's easy to critique with hindsight, but we have learned to approach this with respect. These decisions were made in different contexts and with different pressures and they deserve understanding.
Collaborating empathetically
The CEO title often comes with perceptions of glamour and detachment. The reality? We're a practitioner led business and my role requires me to be the chief practitioner. We show we care by solving problems alongside our clients, being present in the work and setting the standard for our teams.
The importance of taking a step forward everyday
In business, we often fixate on predicting every risk and anticipating every hurdle. But progress doesn’t come from seeing the entire staircase — it comes from taking one step forward each day. Our belief in Modu and its mission is unwavering, even if we don’t always have every step mapped out. It’s that trust in the journey that drives us forward.
Don't let anyone who hasn't been in your shoes tell you how to tie your laces.
Empathy and lived experiences are so important when getting advice and finding solutions, because situations are often so complex and nuanced you can't assume universality.
To everyone who has been part of this adventure so far - our clients, partners and team - thank you. You’ve made these three years unforgettable and we can't wait to show you what comes next.