Luciano de Vries on Adaptive Leadership: Evolving Styles for Growing Businesses

It turns out Charles Darwin never actually said “Adapt or die,” though it can be argued that the naturalist’s theory of evolution supports that phrase. And while it’s scientifically applied to explain the survival of the fittest, it’s certainly applicable to the business world.

Few entrepreneurs embody this principle more vividly than Luciano de Vries, whose journey from a young go-getter to a multi-industry business leader offers a graduate-grade degree in evolving leadership styles. As enterprises grow, so too must their leaders, and de Vries’ experiences provide a road map for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned executives alike.

De Vries’ leadership journey began in his early business ventures, where he learned invaluable lessons that would shape his future approach. “You don’t take no as an answer — and actually your job begins with a no because otherwise, you’re not doing sales, you’re just asking questions,” he reflects. This tenacity became a cornerstone of his professional philosophy, driving him to push boundaries and seek innovative solutions.

Luciano de Vries: Get a Plan B — and a Plan C

The unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship honed De Vries’ ability to think on his feet and prepare for multiple scenarios. He explains, “You get to learn to prepare multiple options, multiple outcomes if things go wrong. Let’s say you learn to create worst-case scenarios, plan Bs, plan Cs.” This adaptive mindset would prove crucial as he navigated the complexities of growing businesses.

As De Vries’ ventures expanded, he faced the challenge of transitioning from a hands-on leader to a more strategic role. This evolution involved hiring professionals for key C-suite positions. The shift wasn’t easy, as he admits, “It was difficult to take a step back, but that’s also I think part of leadership.”

This transition highlighted the importance of effectively communicating the company’s vision and values. De Vries recognized that his role now involved “working with your executives, showing what your leadership is so they can implement for the team.”

Leading a large, diverse workforce brought new challenges, particularly in human resources and employee expectations. De Vries found himself dealing with issues he hadn’t anticipated: “There’s a contract and somebody wants a card and the other one wants a car. And then everybody starts talking, and then you have issues.” Balancing individual needs with company goals became a delicate act, requiring both empathy and firm decision-making.

Despite these challenges, de Vries maintained his intense work ethic, noting, “We actually still work 80 hours a week, but it doesn’t feel like work.” This enthusiasm, when properly channeled, can be contagious within an organization, driving innovation and growth.

Adapting to Growth

As the company grew, maintaining clear lines of communication became increasingly important. De Vries had to find a balance between staying informed and avoiding micromanagement. He learned that empowering his leadership team meant sometimes stepping back, stating, “If they go behind the back of the management and finance sector toward me, then they lose their power, their function, everything.” This approach fostered a sense of ownership among his executives while maintaining a cohesive company direction.

Looking to the future, de Vries emphasizes the importance of embracing technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence. He asserts, “If you don’t implement it in your day-to-day business, then you’ll lose the battle big time, actually, because it takes over a lot of light work.” This forward-thinking approach extends to preparing for workforce changes and evolving employee expectations, ensuring that his leadership style remains relevant in a rapidly changing business environment.

Luciano de Vries’ journey from young entrepreneur to multi-industry leader serves as a compelling testament to the power of adaptive leadership. The key principles that emerge from de Vries’ experience — developing an adaptive mindset, mastering the art of delegation, maintaining clear communication channels, embracing technological advancements, and nurturing an enduring passion — form a robust framework for leadership in times of growth and change. These aren’t mere theoretical concepts, but battle-tested strategies that have propelled businesses across various industries and scales from fledgling startups to industry leaders.

What sets truly exceptional leaders apart is their ability to remain agile in the face of change. They view each new challenge not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation. De Vries’ willingness to step back from day-to-day operations, trusting his team while maintaining a strategic vision, exemplifies this adaptive approach. It’s a delicate balance -— preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that sparked initial success while building the structures and processes necessary for sustained growth.

Luciano de Vries’ Ultimate Lesson

The ultimate lesson from Luciano de Vries is that leadership is a journey, not a destination. It requires a commitment to continuous growth, a willingness to challenge assumptions, and the courage to evolve alongside one’s business. As de Vries continues to adapt his leadership style, his story remains an inspiration and a road map for leaders at all stages of their careers.

For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys or for established leaders facing new challenges, the message is clear: Embrace change, foster trust, communicate openly, stay curious about new technologies, and above all, keep the flame of passion burning bright. In doing so, you’ll navigate the complexities of business growth while finding renewed purpose and satisfaction in your leadership role.

The next big change on the horizon? “I do see people longing for more lifestyle experiences. So people want to get more out of their free time because they live very stressful lives. I think everything that enhances the quality of life in a way — we’ll make that jump.”

And you can be sure when that time comes, Luciano de Vries will be among the first to make that shift.