In a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit, the founders and executives of Neora, a company born of unwavering resolve, they shared their extraordinary journey through the fires of adversity. Through the “Built to Win” podcast, hosted by Amber Olson Rourke, they unveiled the mindset, values, and habits that enabled them to emerge from a crucible of challenges not only victorious but also tempered and strengthened.
At the forefront of this remarkable odyssey was Jeff Olson, Neora’s co-founder and CEO, whose relentless pursuit of growth and self-improvement fueled the team’s resilience. “I’ve had to work my way up and into everything I did and work my way through it and eventually work my way to the top. I never considered myself the smartest person in the room or anything extraordinary, but I was one thing. I was very consistent. I was very persistent,” he shared, underscoring the power of perseverance and an unwavering work ethic.
Deborah Hees, co-founder and CEO of Live Happy, emphasized the profound impact of cultivating a growth mindset and embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development. “You learn from those things, you make mistakes, things happen, and that builds your resiliency. And we’ve been through so much as a team already. That kept me going,” she reflected, highlighting the transformative power of adversity and the importance of a supportive team.
Dave Fleming, an internationally recognized executive who joined Neora’s leadership team during their battle, offered insights into the decision-making process that led him to embrace this crucible of challenges. “Sometimes that risk is maybe, is it your reputation? Is it a major career setback? Is it a failure in business? I mean, these are things that people stress over and reasonably. However, you have to look at the upside,” he shared, underscoring the importance of weighing risks against potential rewards and the allure of pursuing growth and significance.
Throughout their seven-year ordeal, the Neora team faced external challenges and experienced profound personal transformations, forging an unshakable resolve in the fires of adversity. “The shock and awe of this, the very first terrible thing that happens to you in business, is the hardest, right? I remember, and we’ll have podcasts for days on the other hard things that we’ve walked through in our journey,” Olson Rourke reflected, acknowledging the transformative power of adversity and the resiliency it cultivates.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective and finding joy in the journey, even amid the demands of their professional pursuits. “My family is where I find joy. Getting outside, taking that fly fishing vacation, going skiing, or just going out for a Saturday golf outing, making sure you don’t forget to do the things that bring you joy. You can’t allow it to consume you,” Hees shared, highlighting the significance of nurturing personal fulfillment and maintaining a balanced approach to life.
As the conversation drew to a close, the anticipation mounted for the upcoming episodes, where the Neora team promised to unveil the details of the extraordinary “Goliath” they conquered and the strategies they employed to emerge victorious. Their remarkable story is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, personal growth, and a “Built to Win” mindset. It motivates others to embrace adversity as a crucible for forging an unshakable resolve and to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
