MENTORS Magazine

MENTORS MAGAZINE | EDITION 1 | 59

Several years ago, the company for which I

was providing career consulting was pur-

chased by another company. The merger re-

sulted in an unusual circumstance for me—

coaching fifteen leaders in the same organi-

zation as they transitioned to a different cul-

ture and new systems. I observed over the

next twelve months that the resilient leaders

were able to acknowledge the uncertainty

and stress, then continue to develop their

careers in the direction they wanted. Other

individuals, lacking resilience, focused on the

doom and gloom of the merger, which be-

came a barrier to finding new roles, whether

inside or outside the company.

I identified five common strategies that

these resilient people possessed as part of

their career toolbox. I was amazed at how

these strategies eased my own business

transition. Within one

month of leaving the or-

ganization where I had

spent fifteen years, I had a

major new training client

and fifteen new leadership-

coaching clients.

I now have an opportunity

to coach leaders in diverse

companies, schools, nonprofits, and small

start-ups, as well as entrepreneurs and indi-

viduals all over the globe and I continue to

focus on the five strategies with my clients:

well-being, self-awareness, brand, connec-

tion and innovation.

Well-being is key to being productive and

focused, which is essential for entrepre-

neurs. Do you make your well-being a priori-

ty? Do you exercise regularly? Do you give

your body the fuel it needs to perform? Are

you getting the amount of sleep you need to

be at your best? Do you know your stressors

and have strategies for dealing with them?

Are you deeply connected to something out-

side yourself such as art, music, literature,

nature, or religion?

Try one of these Well-being boosters:

Start your day with a morning intention.

Think about what you would like your day

to look like and how you want to feel.

Some examples include: calm and confi-

dent; refreshed and focused; and relaxed

and happy.

Notice how you feel throughout the day and

whether your stress level increases or

stays the same. Being aware

of your stress triggers can pre-

vent you from reacting to

them in unproductive ways.

Take a break from career and

life pressures by going on a

retreat or getaway by yourself

or with friends. This can be a

great way to gain clarity and

restore your energy.

Self-awareness includes purpose, mindset,

and personality type. Articulate your pur-

pose—it’s the starting point for developing a

clear focus for your business. And, as an en-

trepreneur, knowing your purpose will fuel

you when circumstances are challenging. Be

aware of your mindset—it’s essential to re-