Evite CEO David Yeom: 'Grit Starts at the Copy Machine' - A Foundation for Leadership

Evite CEO David Yeom champions the enduring wisdom of the adage, "grit starts at the copy machine," a principle he learned firsthand during his formative years at Arthur Andersen. Upon graduating from college and joining Arthur Andersen in downtown Los Angeles, Yeom anticipated an immediate immersion into the complex world of auditing and consulting. Instead, his initial three days were spent exclusively operating a copy machine, a task that involved processing thousands of audit and tax documents. This seemingly mundane and humbling experience, far removed from his academic expectations, proved to be a pivotal moment that shaped his subsequent professional trajectory.

Arthur Andersen, known for its rigorous demands, presented a challenging professional landscape. During peak consulting seasons, employees routinely endured 100-hour work weeks, creating an intensely fast-paced and demanding environment. Beyond the physical exertion of copying, Yeom faced a significant personal hurdle: a profound shyness and dread of public speaking at the age of 22. The nature of his role necessitated frequent presentations to both clients and internal teams, presenting him with a critical choice: succumb to his anxiety or persevere and risk professional stagnation. He chose to confront his fear, repeatedly engaging in public speaking until the discomfort gradually subsided and eventually vanished.

Yeom draws a direct parallel between his experiences and the concept of grit, as defined by psychologist Angela Duckworth, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Duckworth describes grit as a combination of perseverance and passion. Yeom expands on this, suggesting that grit is not an inherent trait but rather a cultivated ability, a "muscle" built through facing unavoidable challenges. He posits that situations that offer no alternative but to push through, much like his early career demands, are instrumental in developing this resilience. The transformation from a shy college graduate to a successful CEO, in Yeom's view, began with these seemingly insignificant tasks and evolved through consistent exposure to uncomfortable situations. This process fundamentally altered his perception of discomfort and fear, reframing them not as impediments but as essential gateways to personal and professional growth. His journey underscores the profound impact of embracing even the most rudimentary early career tasks as foundational elements for cultivating the perseverance and confidence necessary for leadership and significant achievement.