I’m Cache Merrill, the founder of Zibtek, a tech enthusiast, and a startup wizard. My journey from coding geek to acquisition pro drives me to help you build your dream team and bring your tech ideas to life. With me on board, the only way is up!
Company: Zibtek
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Cache Merrill: I’m Cache Merrill, the founder of Zibtek. I’m a tech enthusiast and a startup wizard, and my journey has taken me from being a coding geek to an acquisition pro. At Zibtek, we specialize in helping businesses turn their tech ideas into reality, providing tailored software development and strategic guidance. My goal is to empower entrepreneurs to build their dream teams and scale their ventures. With me on board, the only way is up!
Can you share a time when your business faced a significant challenge? How did you navigate through it?
Cache Merrill: One of the most significant challenges we faced at Zibtek was during the early days of the pandemic when several clients suddenly halted their projects due to market uncertainty. Our approach was to double down on communication, keeping our clients updated on strategies to pivot their tech solutions to meet new market demands. We also focused internally on optimizing operations to maintain our core team’s momentum and confidence.
How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Cache Merrill: In our early days, we took on a project that wasn’t aligned with our core expertise, thinking we could figure it out as we went. It ended up stretching our resources thin and strained client relations. That failure taught me the importance of staying true to our niche and building our reputation around what we excel at. Since then, we’ve been more selective with projects, which has led to better outcomes and stronger relationships with clients.
How do you build a resilient team? What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Cache Merrill: Building a resilient team starts with hiring individuals who exhibit adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a proactive attitude. I look for people who not only excel in their technical abilities but also demonstrate strong communication and a genuine drive to learn and grow. Emphasizing teamwork and encouraging open dialogue have been crucial in fostering a collaborative and resilient culture.
How do you maintain your personal resilience during tough times?
Cache Merrill: I focus on perspective and self-awareness. Understanding that tough times are a part of the journey helps me stay grounded. I also lean on my network of mentors and peers who’ve faced similar challenges. Their advice and support are invaluable in maintaining my personal resilience.
What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain focus during a crisis?
Cache Merrill: During a crisis, I prioritize tasks and set short-term, achievable goals to maintain momentum. Regular exercise and mindfulness practices also play a key role in managing stress. I make it a point to step away occasionally to reset and recharge, which helps me regain focus and clarity.
How do you communicate with your team during a crisis?
Cache Merrill: Open and honest communication is essential. I aim to create a transparent environment where my team feels informed and heard. During crises, I hold more frequent check-ins to keep everyone updated, provide reassurance, and create space for concerns or suggestions.
What advice would you give to other CEOs on building resilience in their organizations?
Cache Merrill: Embrace adaptability and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Encourage your team to see challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow. Building resilience isn’t just about surviving tough times, but thriving despite them by leaning on your core values and vision.
How do you prepare your business for potential future crises?
Cache Merrill: We focus on diversifying our client base and revenue streams to mitigate risk. I also invest in training and development to ensure the team has the skills to navigate change effectively. Additionally, having a solid contingency plan in place allows us to respond quickly to unexpected situations.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis?
Cache Merrill: The most important lesson is to remain empathetic yet decisive. In times of crisis, your team looks to you for guidance, but they also need to feel understood and supported. Leading with clarity and empathy helps build trust and strengthens your team’s resilience.
