In a world of economic uncertainty, one thing remains true: small business success comes down to grit, focus, and financial discipline. That was the key message shared by Sasan Goodarzi, CEO of Intuit, in a recent interview on with small business expert Ramon Ray, publisher of ZoneofGenius.com
Key Takeaways:
- Grit and perseverance are essential qualities every small business owner needs to cultivate.
- Customer focus should remain a top priority, especially during challenging times.
- Cash flow isn’t just a financial metric—it’s your survival line.
- Don’t be shy about getting paid—you provide value, and you deserve compensation.
- Leadership starts with real experience, and Goodarzi’s advice is rooted in his personal journey.
From a Closet Office to a Global Stage
Before leading one of the world’s top financial technology companies, Sasan Goodarzi was just a kid helping his brother run a small business. “I remember sitting in an apartment closet working on bills,” he recalled. “Every week we wondered if we were going to go out of business. I was 10 years old.”
That early experience shaped not only his understanding of small business, but also his respect for the people who run them.
Today, as CEO of Intuit—the company behind QuickBooks, Mailchimp, TurboTax, and Credit Karma—Goodarzi oversees platforms that support millions of small businesses worldwide. But he hasn’t forgotten where it all started.
Related – Why Grit and Failure Are Essential for Success(Opens in a new browser tab)
Leading with Grit
So how should entrepreneurs lead during uncertain economic times?
“Focus on your customers,” Goodarzi said. “And have the grit to push through.”
He emphasized that real leadership doesn’t require having all the answers. It means showing up consistently, serving customers with excellence, and staying resilient when things don’t go as planned.
“Incredible things happen when you serve your customers well,” he added. “That’s how you go from one customer to two, to ten.”
Manage Your Money Like It’s Your Lifeline
Another pillar of Goodarzi’s message: master your cash flow.
“Sometimes you’re so hungry to get customers, you’re shy about making sure you get paid,” he noted.
That’s a mistake too many entrepreneurs make. “You’re providing a service. You’re pursuing your passion. You’re making an impact. And you deserve to be paid for it.”
In practical terms, that means sending invoices promptly, following up on late payments, and using tools (like QuickBooks or similar platforms) to track where your money is coming from and going to.
Human Experience, Tech Support
Goodarzi’s leadership philosophy is about combining real-world experience with innovation. His personal background drives his company’s mission to build tools that help small businesses thrive—even in times of uncertainty.
That mission recently took shape in Intuit’s launch of AI-powered virtual agents for QuickBooks, aimed at helping entrepreneurs automate workflows and save time (you can read the full story here).
But technology is only part of the solution. As Goodarzi proves, the heart of small business success is still human resilience.
Final Thoughts for Founders
Running a business in unpredictable times isn’t easy. But with the right mindset, a focus on customers, and strong financial habits, small business owners can thrive.
As Ramon wrapped up the interview, he thanked Goodarzi for his insights—and the legacy he’s building for business owners everywhere.
To all entrepreneurs out there: serve boldly, get paid confidently, and lead with perseverance. That’s the playbook, straight from someone who lived it.
