Resilience is a term we often hear, both personally and professionally. It’s a quality that is celebrated, yet not always fully understood. Most of the time, we associate resiliency with overcoming big challenges—the grand moments where someone rises to the occasion against seemingly insurmountable odds. But I believe resiliency is found in the little things too—the everyday decisions, the difficult calls that no one else wants to make, and the moments when you feel like throwing in the towel, but somehow, you don’t. That’s what resiliency truly looks like.
A Pivotal Moment in a Friend’s Journey
I was reminded of this recently when I helped a close friend navigate the complex and often emotional process of selling his company. The journey wasn’t easy. There were months of difficult negotiations, tough decisions, and countless challenges with the process. But ultimately, it was a resounding success—a success that was years in the making, and one that was built on a foundation of unwavering resilience.
This isn’t just any friend of mine. We met in college, and over the past few decades, we’ve shared countless moments—late-night conversations, personal ups and downs, and everything in between. He’s not just a friend; he’s family. So, when he reached out to me during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I knew how much was at stake.
Making the Toughest Decisions
His company operated in the hospitality industry, and when the pandemic hit, like so many others in the space, his revenue essentially dropped to zero. It was a tough time for many, but especially for small business owners, and my friend was no exception. As we spoke on the phone, he was facing a tough dilemma: How do you keep a company alive when there’s no revenue coming in, no clear roadmap for the future, and a large team depending on you?
In those early conversations, we had some tough talks. He asked, “What should I do? How do I navigate this?” He didn’t have a clear answer, but the pressure was mounting. He had a team that he cared deeply about—some employees had been with him for nearly 20 years. These weren’t just workers; they were friends, and the thought of letting them go was heartbreaking. But we both understood that without tough decisions, his company might not survive.
I posed a question to him that would set the tone for our discussions. I asked, “Can you keep the business afloat if you make some difficult decisions, even if it means laying off or furloughing some people?” His answer was yes. I followed up with, “What happens if you keep everyone on payroll, hold onto your team, and don’t make any changes—even though there’s no revenue?” He was quick to answer: “I’ll be out of business in a short amount of time.”
That’s when the hard truth became clear: As the CEO, his job wasn’t just to lead; it was to make the tough calls that no one else would. It was his responsibility to make decisions that could feel like personal failures but were necessary for the company to survive.
Surviving the Storm and Rebuilding Stronger
He took action. He made the tough calls, including letting go of some of his team members. It wasn’t a decision he made lightly, and it weighed on him deeply. But he did it with a vision: to keep the company alive long enough to weather the storm and be ready for the eventual recovery.
And recover it did.
As time went on, he didn’t just sit back and wait for things to get better. He worked tirelessly to position his business for a rebound. He re-engaged with clients as soon as it was feasible, he rebuilt his team when the time was right, and he was always looking for ways to innovate and adapt to the new world that was emerging. His business didn’t just bounce back; it surged forward at an accelerated pace once things started to stabilize. He was ready, and his resilience had paid off.
A Well-Earned Victory
Fast forward to today: My friend successfully sold his company. The sale was a huge accomplishment, but the true success wasn’t just in the transaction—it was in everything that led up to that moment. The sacrifices he made, the leadership he demonstrated, and the way he rebuilt and strengthened his business were what truly mattered.
As I celebrated with him, I couldn’t help but think about how we all need to take the time to celebrate resiliency in our own lives. Success is rarely a straight line—it’s filled with ups, downs, and unexpected turns. And often, it’s not just about the big wins; it’s about the moments when we kept going, even when it would have been easier to quit.
A Challenge for You
So, here’s my challenge to you: Take a moment to celebrate your own resiliency. Whether it’s a business milestone, a personal challenge overcome, or simply making it through a tough season, recognize the strength it took to get there. Because at the end of the day, resiliency isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about growing through the challenges and coming out stronger on the other side.
To my friend—congratulations. Your journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and I’m honored to have walked alongside you.
And to everyone reading this—keep pushing forward. Your resilience is worth celebrating.
See you next week,
Brent, your Rivr Guide
