07: Building the Team is the Job with Nick Beavers

In this episode, I interview Nick Beavers, CEO of Media Cybernetics, a company that supplies image analysis software, typically used in industrial inspection routines. We talk about Nick’s path to becoming the CEO of Media Cybernetics, as well as his insights from using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) at a tech company.

 

Time Stamps

 

[00:20] Media Cybernetics has been a scientific software provider since 1981. They extract quantitative measurements from images captured by microscopes or digital cameras.

[01:58] Nick’s family background and challenges growing up.

[02:44] His brother’s hardship caused Nick to mature earlier, to prioritize excellence, to make the most of life, and to be considerate of others.

[03:57] Nick had an entrepreneurial spirit very early in his life. Examples of how he always managed to transform his interests into a business.

[05:14] Nick began his career in the sciences, earning a Bachelor of Science in neurophysiology. However, he soon realized that this path was not meant for him.

[06:00] How Nick stumbled upon Media Cybernetics. He began working there as a technical services representative, finding it challenging but fulfilling.

[07:07] Initially, Nick took this job as a chance to build new skills and bolster his resume. How by 2019, he became the president of the company. How Nick bought the company 12 months later.

[10:00] The biggest challenges that Nick faced when Media Cybernetics was still a public company and how he handled the pressure.

[12:05] People management was another challenge. Nick’s transition from individual contribution to building a strong team as his career advanced required a learning curve.

[14:12] Nick’s role models.

[16:42] How Debbie Tyler, and his Vistage group, have provided support and advice. It is important to surround yourself with people who not only support you but are willing to critique you.

[19:00] How EOS has helped Media Cybernetics to grow — Nick had been struggling to find a system where different components complemented one another. EOS gave him a holistic system for managing the business.

[23:26] How EOS uses quirky and specific language to cut through the confusion and speed up communication.

[24:32] Nick’s experience in reconciling EOS with the agile framework that is often used by software development teams, as well as with distribution models used by tech companies.

[31:00] The darkest stage of Nick’s career

[37:59] How to find out more about Media Cybernetics and Nick.

 

Conclusion

Were you inspired by Nick’s story? Have you faced similar struggles during your entrepreneurial journey?

We would love to hear your questions and comments! Here are some resources that you might find helpful:

Media Cybernetics website

Nick’s LinkedIn profile

Email Nick

Steve's EOS blog

Join a webinar with Steve

Book a free consultation with Steve

https://StevePreda.com