In an inspiring tale of resilience and determination, the founders and executives of Neora, a company driven by unwavering principles, unveiled the secrets behind their remarkable journey to an unprecedented victory. Through the “Built to Win” podcast hosted by Amber Olson Rourke, they shared their profound insights, highlighting the mindset, values, and habits that enabled them to conquer a challenge that had remained unconquered in the annals of business history.
At the forefront of this extraordinary endeavor was Jeff Olson, Neora’s co-founder and CEO, whose philosophy of consistency and persistence fueled the team’s relentless pursuit of success. “Every night when I went to bed, the last thing I thought about was winning. The first thing I thought about when I got up was winning. And I never stopped and quit going forward,” he shared, underscoring the power of an unwavering focus on the ultimate goal.
Complementing Olson’s resolute mindset was Deborah Hees, co-founder and CEO of Live Happy, who emphasized the importance of living a life congruent with one’s values and priorities. “Happiness is a choice. You have to choose to be happy, and if you can be yourself, have that truth, live that happy life, you will make decisions congruent with your goals,” she explained, highlighting the profound impact of aligning personal fulfillment with professional aspirations.
Dave Fleming, an internationally recognized executive who joined Neora’s leadership team during their battle, offered a unique perspective on embracing calculated risks. “If it’s a team that is aligning with my principles and is a team that I recognize is operating with integrity and operating with trust and respect, then that’s the foundation for making a good decision,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of aligning with a team that embodies shared values.
Throughout their seven-year journey, the Neora team remained steadfast, drawing strength from their collective belief in the significance of their mission and the impact it would have on countless lives. “It was a fight worth fighting, and it was almost like it’s a fight that we were put there to do because we’re the one company capable of doing it,” Olson reflected, underscoring the profound sense of purpose that fueled their determination.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of maintaining balance and finding joy in the journey, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Olson Rourke credited her faith, family, and close-knit community with the support and resilience needed to navigate the arduous path. “That faith component for me was that final part of the stool that held me up to know that I just always felt that we were doing the right thing,” she shared, highlighting the power of belief and support systems.
As the conversation drew to a close, the anticipation mounted for the upcoming episodes, where the Neora team promised to reveal 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 perseverance, integrity, and a “Built to Win” mindset, motivating others to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
