In a captivating exploration of leadership and perseverance, the founders and executives of Neora, a company forged by an unwavering spirit, shared their extraordinary journey through one of the most formidable business battles in American history. The “Built to Win” podcast, hosted by Amber Olson Rourke, unveiled the mindset, values, and resilience that enabled this remarkable team to conquer a challenge that had proven impossible for others.
At the heart of Neora’s triumph lay the unshakable belief in their purpose and the righteousness of their cause. As Jeff Olson, the company’s co-founder and CEO, asserted, “We believed in who we were as a company, how we did things, and we were right and willing to defend that.” This conviction was a beacon, guiding the team through even the darkest times.
Deborah Hees, co-founder and CEO of Live Happy, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and mutual respect within the organization. “We work together, we trust each other, and we have transparency—not just transparency of vision, but transparency of how we interact with each other,” she explained, underscoring the power of a unified team operating with a shared set of values.
Dave Fleming, an executive who joined Neora’s leadership amid the unprecedented battle, offered insights into the decision-making process that led him to embrace this monumental challenge. “If you can do something that no one has ever done before, you have to believe that the upside to that is an upside that no one has ever experienced before,” he shared, highlighting the allure of pursuing significance over the path of least resistance.
Throughout the seven-year ordeal, the Neora team remained steadfast, drawing strength from their collective resolve and the belief that their victory would profoundly impact countless individuals worldwide. “Millions of people around the world would be affected by this positively or negatively,” Olson reflected, underscoring the gravity of their mission.
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. “My core close group of friends and core close group of coworkers, we had an amazing team both here in the home office and in our Salesforce that stood by us,” she shared, highlighting the power of a supportive network.
As the conversation drew to a close, anticipation mounted for the upcoming episodes, in which 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 a testament to the indomitable spirit of leaders who refuse to be defined by their challenges, inspiring others to embrace adversity and pursue their dreams with a “Built to Win” mindset.
