The Power of Resilience in a Post-Pandemic Society by Courtney Gavin

Courtney Gavin, founder of Xelda Company, a woman-owned valet trash and event cleanup services business, boasts 
in the multifamily industry. A seasoned 10+ years entrepreneur, she's known for community volunteerism having served Apartment Association of Greater Orlando’s Board of Directors and received numerous awards. Courtney, a proud UCF grad, resides in Florida with her husband and kids.

Resilience is a defining trait for entrepreneurs navigating the turbulent waters of the business world. As we adapt to the new normal of inflation and supply chain woes, the ability to bounce back from setbacks has never been more critical. In this blog post, we'll delve into the importance of resilience for entrepreneurs and provide actionable steps to cultivate this invaluable trait.

Resilience is the ability to withstand and bounce back from adversity, failures, and setbacks. For entrepreneurs, resilience is more than just a desirable trait—it's a fundamental skill that can determine the difference between success and failure. Research conducted by Harvard Business Review found that resilient entrepreneurs are better equipped to navigate uncertainties, recover from failures, and sustain long-term success in their ventures.

Let’s take a look at the four ways we can cultivate resilience in our businesses today.

1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning. Adopting a growth mindset allows you to reframe setbacks as temporary obstacles. Instead of dwelling on your failures, focus on the valuable lessons and insights that these challenges can provide. Barbara Corcoran said it best to give yourself a pity party for one day and then we’re back to the races tomorrow.

2. Build a Strong Support Network

Surround yourself with mentors and advisors who can offer guidance and support. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely venture, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether it's joining a business association, attending networking events, or seeking mentorship from experienced professionals, a strong network can give you much needed encouragement in uncharted waters. One of my favorite resources that offers free business mentorship is a nonprofit organization called SCORE. They are nationwide and have an endless supply of information and mentors at no cost. 

3. Be Adaptable

Have you ever heard the phrase, “What got you here, won’t get you there?” It’s also the name of the New York Times Bestselling book by Marshall Goldsmith. Business is always evolving and that means you should be too. Be willing to pivot your strategies, experiment with new services, and embrace change as necessary. For example, many businesses pivoted to e-commerce and digital advertising during the pandemic to reach customers in new ways. By being flexible and open-minded, you can respond effectively to market changes and you’ll find yourself better positioned than those who chose not to adapt.

4. Celebrate Your Wins, Big or Small

Take the time to celebrate all of your wins. We should not wait for the largest win to begin celebrating. Recognizing progress not only boosts morale but also motivates you to keep going. Whether securing a new client, launching a product or paying off a small debt, take time to celebrate your successes along the journey. You should be proud of yourself every step of the way. 

In conclusion, resilience is a powerful asset for entrepreneurs, especially in our post-pandemic world. By adopting these strategies, we equip ourselves for long-term success.

Learn more about Courtney at
- Website: xeldacompany.com
- Twitter: @xeldacompany
- Instagram: @xeldacompany