In this interview, we spotlight new EO member Thomas Michael, CEO of Michael Management Corporation.

1. What are you hoping to get out of your EO journey? Why did you join?
   “In the past, as a CEO I sometimes found myself with many questions and few answers. It’s lonely on top, and having a group of likeminded entrepreneurs around me is a critical part of my own success.”
2. When did you know you wanted to become an entrepreneur … what was that “a-ha” moment?
   “I remember when I was 5 or 6 years old, I asked my grandmother if she would like me to draw a picture for her. When she said yes, I charged her a nickel for it (after all, it was clearly work-for-hire). After college, I realized very quickly that I ‘wanted to do my own thing.'”
3. What’s the biggest—or most common—mistake you see entrepreneurs make when it comes to managing their business or employees?
   “My top three: Working on the urgent instead of the important; hiring only when you need someone instead of constant talent acquisition; and running out of cash.”
4. What do you want your legacy to be, and how do you plan on getting there?
   “I feel a bit too young to think about my legacy right now … but I hope that whatever I do, it will have made a difference to some people in a positive way.”
5. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about entrepreneurship so far?
   “Use common sense, block out the naysayers and listen to your gut – mine hasn’t failed me yet!”