President Inga I. Young founded 8-koi on August 8, 2008. The number 8 represents the cyclic nature of systems. The koi fish represents embracing adversity through persistent focus on positive outcomes. Inga built the company to be different – to do better than others, and to offer an easier and more efficient option to the government. With her decades-long background in DCAA-compliant contract accounting, Inga’s astute knowledge of finance allows her to perform more cost-effectively across multiple disciplines with consistent quality-driven results. Since startup, 8-koi has increased its revenue every year and employs an effective team of highly qualified personnel around the globe.
This year, 8-koi celebrates its 13th Anniversary and Inga has learned some things along the way. Read on to find out more about her reflections on her entrepreneurial journey…
- People are our most valuable asset.
- It’s so important to maintain a ‘human touch’ in business. It helps us to ensure we make good decisions for our future.
- Let leaders lead in their own style and show their best capabilities.
- Transparency helps communication. People need to be on the same page to achieve shared goals.
- Ask the hard questions and be open for discussion.
- Stretch yourself to gain new capabilities. My best lessons were my failures.
- Think of obstacles as challenges that will be overcome.
- Sweat some small stuff early because it makes the big stuff easier later on. For example, we had good HR processes in place before we had a need and that made things easier for a significant hiring surge activity that came afterward.
- Be methodical and make wise decisions, but don’t get ‘paralysis by analysis.’
- Having multiple niches may seem unfocused to some, but it’s helped 8-koi to be nimble and weather the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
- I generally always look forward, but it’s good to look back at what you have accomplished over time.
- Goals are good, but you shouldn’t beat yourself over the head if you miss one or two.
- Be thankful for blessings.
Read 8-koi’s Gr8test Hits from our 12th Anniversary.