By Jamie Dawson
In a captivating exploration of the power of belief, the founders and executives of Neora, a company driven by an unwavering conviction, shared their extraordinary journey through an unprecedented challenge. Through the “Built to Win” podcast hosted by Amber Olson Rourke, they unveiled the mindset, values, and habits that fueled their relentless pursuit of victory, even in the face of what appeared to be impossible odds.
At the core of this remarkable endeavor was Jeff Olson, Neora’s co-founder and CEO, whose profound belief in the righteousness of their cause served as an unwavering compass. “We believed in who we were as a company, how we did things, and we were right, and we’re willing to defend that. That was a daunting task,” he shared, underscoring the power of conviction and the willingness to stand firm in the face of adversity.
Deborah Hees, co-founder and CEO of Live Happy, emphasized the profound impact of cultivating a positive mindset and maintaining an optimistic outlook, even in the darkest times. “You have to choose to be happy. And when we talk about being happy, it’s choosing to be who you are. Be congruent with who you are, be congruent with your values, choose to be happy,” she advised, highlighting the significance of aligning one’s actions with one’s core beliefs and values.
Dave Fleming, an internationally recognized executive who joined Neora’s leadership team during their battle, offered insights into the decision-making process that led him to embrace this pioneering endeavor. “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 and principles.
Throughout their seven-year journey, the Neora team remained steadfast, drawing strength from their collective belief in the significance of their mission and the profound impact their victory would have on countless individuals worldwide. “It was a fight worth fighting, and it was almost like it’s a fight that we were put there to fight 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 unity and fostering a culture of trust and respect within the organization. “We never quit being who we were, building the company. And it was a very historical company. The growth of our company and its original years was one of the most significant in the history of a huge industry. But we didn’t stop that,” Olson shared, highlighting the significance of projecting confidence and consistency, even in adversity.
As the conversation drew to a close, the anticipation mounted for the upcoming episodes, where the Neora team promised to unveil 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 unwavering belief, moral leadership, and a “Built to Win” mindset, motivating others to embrace challenges, stand firm in their convictions, and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
