Today, we’re doing something different in this episode. I’m sharing something I don’t talk about often: the challenges I faced when I experienced my traumatic brain injury (TBI) thirteen years ago.
Why? Because there are so many obstacles business owners face today. Whether you’re a CEO or employee, the lessons I’ve learned from these experiences can help anyone navigating tough times.
My Story
In 2011, my husband, best friend, and I were attending an event when I was hit with the worst headache of my life. Everything seemed to move in slow motion, and I struggled to understand what was happening around me. A week later, the pain escalated to severe neck discomfort. Initially, doctors thought I had a bulging disc or dehydration, but after an MRI, I received a call that changed everything. He believed I had an aneurysm in my neck—an artery feeding my brain—and if left untreated, I could die.
After more tests, the diagnosis came: I had a vertebral artery dissection, meaning the artery running through my neck to my brain had torn. The tear caused blood clots that led to mini-strokes, affecting my balance, hearing, and memory. I had to heal through rest and medication—a slow and frustrating process.
Just a year later, I was involved in an accident when I was hit by a golf cart, leading to a second head injury and concussion. This setback worsened my balance and cognitive issues. Over time, I realized that these injuries were not temporary; they left lasting effects on my memory, balance, and ability to focus.
Overcoming Obstacles With My Injury
I returned to work thinking I could pick up where I left off. I was a director of operations and expected to jump back into my normal routine.
However, tasks that had once been simple—like keeping my to-do list in my head—became difficult. The constant multitasking that defined my previous success was no longer an option. It was during this time that I enrolled in my first business program as a form of therapy. This program taught me a new way of leading—focusing on processes and goal setting.
I started small. My first goal? Just getting out of bed, brushing my teeth, and getting dressed. From there, it was about building up small wins.
3 Ways to Overcome Obstacles In Your Business
As I embraced these changes, I realized that obstacles show us a better way. Most of us look at obstacles as things we can’t get past. I’ve had numerous conversations with business owners who’ve faced struggles—some gave up, while others adapted and found success on the other side.
The truth is that business will always throw challenges our way—whether it’s a pandemic, economic downturn, or struggles to get financing. The business owners who succeed are the ones who look at challenges and think, “I wonder what’s on the other side of this?” and decide to find a new way around them.
Here are three key lessons I’ve learned through my journey that can help you navigate obstacles in your business:
1. Be Willing to Change
Change is hard, especially when we’re comfortable. But it’s necessary for growth. Challenges force us to step outside our comfort zones, whether we want to or not. Embrace change as an opportunity to learn something new. In my case, I had to learn new ways to lead and manage my day-to-day tasks. When we resist change, we miss out on the chance to grow.
2. Focus on Balance and Harmony
Balance isn’t just about work and life—it’s about creating harmony between different aspects of your leadership. You need conviction to pursue your goals, but you also need adaptability to navigate obstacles. When challenges arise, stay convicted to your vision but be willing to adjust your approach.
3. Keep Growing (Even When You Feel Stuck)
So often when I’ve been growing and scaling, I’ve felt stuck and confused about my next steps. Healing, growth, and success don’t happen overnight. Many times over, I’ve felt like I needed to have all the steps laid out in front of me before I made a move, but the truth is, that’s not the case.
Lean into the confusion and ask, “What can this challenge teach me?” Trust the process, even when it feels slow or frustrating. The answers might not always be immediate, but they will come.
Overcoming Obstacles In Your Business
Obstacles may be painful, but they are often the gateway to something far greater than we ever imagined. Embrace them and learn from them, and it will make you a better leader… and the world needs better leaders. We don’t need people who will dictate and dole out tasks or work themselves into burnout. We need leaders who are going to learn from the unexpected challenges, create innovation in their business, and lead with empathy.
So when the next challenge comes your way, don’t resist it. Embrace it, trust the process, and know that on the other side lies the growth and success you’ve been striving for.
