13 Ways These Entrepreneurs Have Defied Traditional Business Wisdom

For many entrepreneurs, taking an unconventional approach — whether in strategy, hiring or growth tactics — has led to invaluable lessons and unique successes in their businesses. But choosing to go against the grain isn’t without risk, as each choice shapes the path forward in surprising ways.

Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share moments when they challenged traditional advice. Through the lessons they learned along the way, they offer practical insights to inspire bold steps on your own entrepreneurial path.

Lead With Authenticity

I always allow my authentic self to lead, resisting pressure to conform to traditional expectations of being a corporate C-suite female using measured speech and donning a conservative appearance. I learned that by embracing my individual style — from unique outfits to bold accessories — my authenticity becomes relatable and an instant connector capable of inspiring confidence in others to bring their full selves. – Marissa Andrada, Marissa Andrada

Turn Training Into Revenue

My long and winding road to becoming a keynote speaker started while I was working as head of training for a global brand. During that time, I still charged clients for my speeches, but I gave all the money to my employer, becoming an unheard-of revenue source from a department that spends money. This allowed me to stay above board while perfecting my skill set until I “retired” from corporate life. – Jim Knight, Knight Speaker

Embrace Nature’s Wisdom Over Profit

One way I’ve defied traditional business wisdom is by tuning into the wisdom of the earth. The orchestration composed by nature is reciprocal, where life supports life in symbiosis. I’ve stepped away from prioritizing my bottom line. – Philip Wolf, Cultivating Spirits

Turn Age Into an Asset

Ageism — how wonderful! The traditional business model is that employees retire at 60-65 years old, either by choice or executive turnover. I am 66, and my age works for me, not against me. I have a lifetime of high-value relationships built on decades of trust. I deploy these relationships as a business development consultant for startups. My net-net is: Maybe I’m too old to rock & roll, but I’m surely too young to die. – Larry Dvoskin, Miracle Music Inc.

Put Purpose Before Profit

I chose to prioritize purpose over profit from day one, focusing on social impact before financial gains. Traditional wisdom warned against it, but this approach attracted passionate customers and partners who valued the mission. I learned that when your purpose resonates, profit often follows naturally, building a brand that stands strong on values and trust, not just revenue. – Sonia Singh, Center of Inner Transformations

One way I defied traditional business wisdom was by prioritizing community engagement over aggressive marketing strategies. Instead of focusing solely on sales and profit margins, I invested time in building genuine relationships with customers and local organizations. This approach fostered loyalty and trust, leading to organic growth through word-of-mouth. – Mark Paulda, Mark Paulda & Co

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Prioritize Culture Over Rapid Scaling

Instead of chasing fast growth, I focused on building a strong team and nurturing a positive work environment. I learned that investing in people leads to sustainable success, with higher employee engagement, innovation and loyalty ultimately driving long-term growth more effectively than quick expansion. – Stephen Nalley, Black Briar Advisors

Defy Tradition at Every Turn

An entrepreneur’s responsibility is to defy traditional business wisdom at every opportunity. Entrepreneurship is the very definition of defied wisdom. – Tim Jack, Rise

Put the Team First

I paid my dues long after most would have considered their dues paid in full. I’m always taking care of the team before myself. – Matthew Forster, CMS Nashville

Scale Sustainably Without Outside Investors

I defied traditional business wisdom by scaling my PR firm without taking on outside investors or following the typical high-growth-at-all-costs model. Instead, I focused on building a sustainable, client-centric business, prioritizing quality over rapid expansion. I learned that staying lean allowed me to maintain creative control and adapt more quickly to market shifts. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC

Leadership isn’t dimensioned by asking for help; it’s a resource. It’s often praised to put your head down and grind it out alone — a great display of belief in oneself — but leaning into the help of others creates a community around your ideas, which is crucial to your entrepreneurial journey. It allows you to connect with investors and learn not only from your missteps but also from the mistakes of others. – Cynthia Johnson, Bell + Ivy

Embrace Flexibility Over Rigid Planning

I started my company as a natural extension of my advocacy work; I didn’t have a concrete business plan or a specific goal in mind. That initial emphasis on organic growth allowed the company to evolve and adapt to what our clients and the industry at large needed. In the cannabis industry, that flexibility has been especially helpful to my company and our clients as the sector changes. – Evan Nison, NisonCo

Let Others Shine

Always share credit and, whenever possible, make other people the star. It has been my experience that generosity begets generosity, and inclusion begets inclusion. This much is certain: People want to work with someone who helps them shine. And if people want to work with you, you will absolutely, 100 percent succeed. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media