In the first episode of the “Built to Win” podcast, the co-founders and executive team of Neora share their personal experiences and insights on what it means to be a true leader, especially when faced with unprecedented challenges. Amber Olson Rourke, Jeff Olson, Deborah Hees, and Dave Fleming candidly discuss the mindset, values, and strategies that allowed them to overcome a colossal, seven-year battle no other company had successfully navigated.
Amber Olson Rourke, the co-founder and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Neora, sets the stage by explaining that “being built to win” is all about having the core components – values, mindset, attitude, skillset, and work ethic – that enable one to tackle any obstacle head-on. She emphasizes that the Neora team has weathered many storms in their careers, which ultimately prepared them for the historic battle that was to come.
Jeff Olson, the renowned author, and co-founder of Neora, delves deeper into the essence of leadership. He stresses that the key lies in the leader’s ability to influence people to do things they wouldn’t have done otherwise. Olson underscores the importance of a leader’s philosophy, which is the foundation for their team’s identity and vision. He credits Neora’s ten core values as the guiding principles that sustained the company through its darkest hours.
Deborah Hees, the co-CEO of Neora and co-founder of Live Happy, echoes the significance of a leader’s philosophy and integrity. She emphasizes that preparedness for a crisis comes from having a clear sense of self, a defined vision, and the ability to foster trust and transparency within the team. Hees believes these elements enable leaders to navigate even the most daunting challenges with resilience and determination.
The fourth co-host, Dave Fleming, shares his perspective on why he decided to join the Neora team amid their colossal battle. He explains that his decision was not based on the magnitude of the challenge but rather on his belief in the integrity and capabilities of the Neora leadership. Fleming underscores the willingness to step up and lead, even in uncertainty, is a hallmark of authentic leadership.
Throughout the conversation, the Neora executives reveal how their personal experiences, deeply rooted values, and unwavering commitment to their mission enabled them to persevere through a seven-year battle that no other company had ever successfully navigated. They attribute their victory to the collective strength of their team, their steadfast belief in the rightness of their cause, and their ability to maintain a positive mindset and focus on the larger purpose, even in the darkest moments.
As the episode concludes, the Neora team teases the listeners, promising to unveil the details of their historic battle in the upcoming episodes. This sets the stage for a captivating exploration of the leadership principles and strategies that allowed Neora to emerge victorious from a challenge that had defeated all other contenders.
