Paul: So Matthew, as you’re building ELIFIN, what has been the most significant thing you’ve learned about yourself?

Matthew: That’s deep. That’s a deep question! The most significant thing I’ve learned about myself… well, I guess you’re constantly learning about your shortcomings, the things you could be better at. And, you know, everything you’re really good at feels great, but all your weak points, I feel, get exposed.

And you surround yourself with people who are good at what you’re not good at, or who point out what you’re not good at. They help you see your blind spots and address them rather than letting them destroy the company or undercut the value that everyone’s working to create.

So it’s a constant thing. For me personally, I think that when I’m stressed or under pressure, I take control. I just take the reins and drive, right? But sometimes, when I do that, I can bring people down more than I build them up. That’s probably the best way to put it.

So I’ve learned that I need to be empathetic, to treat people the way I want to be treated. When I make mistakes, I feel relieved when people give me grace and understanding, knowing that I’m doing the best I can for the company. It’s surprising that I don’t always offer that same grace to others.

I’ve learned that recently, and you take that feedback. Good people take it and adjust. The bad ones either don’t listen, don’t adjust, or they lash out when given feedback. So, yeah… very deep question, Paul!