Meet Yoseph Assefa

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yoseph Assefa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Yoseph, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is a quality that often forms under the pressure of life’s difficulties, and for me, it has been shaped and honed by a series of profound experiences throughout my life.

Growing up, I was deeply inspired by my grandmother, a woman who faced unimaginable hardship and yet emerged with an indomitable spirit. Her journey began in Ethiopia, where she experienced the devastating loss of her husband, who was killed during the Derg regime. Faced with the trauma of losing her partner and the chaos that ensued, she made the courageous decision to come to America, seeking safety and a better future for her family. The weight of her grief and the burden of starting a new life in a foreign land were enormous, yet she pressed on with unwavering determination.

Arriving in America, my grandmother faced numerous challenges. She struggled to create a peaceful household amidst the turmoil of adjusting to a new country. For years, our family was scattered and life was far from easy. Yet, she never gave up. Her strength and resilience were a beacon of hope, guiding us through the darkest times. Eventually, the family began to come back together, and her dream of unity and stability slowly took shape. Her journey taught me that resilience is not about avoiding pain but about enduring it and finding the strength to rebuild.

My upbringing was also shaped by the formidable strength and perseverance of my mother. Raising me as a single parent, she juggled multiple jobs, endless responsibilities, and yet always found time to nurture and support me. There were days when the weight of the world seemed to rest on her shoulders, but she carried it with a quiet strength and an unwavering determination to provide a better life for us. Her sacrifices and relentless work ethic taught me the true meaning of perseverance and the importance of never giving up, no matter how tough the circumstances.

Our family was predominantly women, each contributing their own story of resilience. My aunts, who played a crucial role in my upbringing, brought different lessons and examples of how to tackle life’s obstacles. Whether it was my aunt working two jobs to support her children or my uncle overcoming personal setbacks to achieve his dreams, their experiences showed me that resilience is not just an individual trait but a collective strength built from the love and support of family. They taught me that we draw strength from those around us, and in turn, we can be a source of strength for others.

For a decade, I also watched my grandmother battle cancer, a period marked by emotional and physical struggles. Seeing her go through the relentless cycles of treatment, the moments of hope followed by setbacks, and the sheer exhaustion of fighting a relentless disease was incredibly tough. The emotional toll on our family was immense. We oscillated between hope and despair, finding strength in each other and in the moments of resilience my grandmother displayed even in the face of such adversity. This experience taught me the profound strength that comes from enduring emotional pain and the importance of being present for loved ones through their hardest battles.

As I navigated my own path, I often tried to grow up faster than my years, eager to shoulder adult responsibilities and prove my independence. In my haste, I made numerous mistakes. I remember times when I took on too much, thinking I could handle it all, only to find myself overwhelmed and in over my head. These experiences were humbling and often painful, but they were also invaluable. Each failure taught me important lessons about patience, humility, and the importance of pacing oneself. I learned that resilience is not just about pushing through but also about knowing when to step back, reflect, and grow from the experiences.

These personal trials taught me the importance of self-reflection and the power of learning from one’s mistakes. It was through these moments of overreaching and failing that I discovered the true essence of resilience: the ability to adapt, to learn, and to keep moving forward despite setbacks. Each mistake became a stepping stone, a lesson that fortified my spirit and prepared me for future challenges.

These experiences have taught me that resilience is built on a foundation of love, support, and the unwavering belief in one’s ability to overcome. It’s about finding strength in adversity, learning from our mistakes, and always moving forward. My grandmother’s bravery, my mother’s perseverance, the diverse challenges and lessons from my aunts and uncles, and my own journey of making and learning from mistakes have all contributed to the resilience I possess today.

It is a reflection of the extraordinary people in my life and the lessons I have learned along the way. Their stories and my own experiences have not only prepared me to face my own obstacles but have also given me a profound appreciation for the strength that lies within us all. My hope is that by sharing my story, others will find inspiration and strength in their own journeys, knowing that resilience is within each of us, waiting to be discovered and embraced.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Professionally, my focus is on Leafy Bike, a company committed to advancing sustainable urban transportation. Our flagship product is a unique two-seat electric bike designed for bike-sharing, which stands out in the industry for its inclusivity and practicality. This design encourages shared rides, making it ideal for friends, couples, or parents and children, and helps reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

What excites me most about Leafy Bike is its potential to make a positive impact on urban mobility and the environment. Our mission is to provide clean, efficient transportation options that are accessible to everyone, contributing to healthier, more connected cities. We are continuously exploring partnerships with municipalities, universities, and corporate campuses to integrate our bikes into existing transportation networks, enhancing last-mile connectivity.

Leafy Bike is about more than just transportation; it’s about building a sustainable future and fostering community. Our efforts are aimed at creating greener urban spaces and providing a viable alternative to traditional, pollution-heavy transportation methods.

Through Leafy Bike, I hope to contribute to a movement towards more sustainable and inclusive transportation solutions. By using our bikes, supporting our initiatives, or simply spreading the word, everyone can help us achieve this vision of a cleaner, more connected world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities and skills have been most impactful in my journey:

First, **resilience**. The ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks has been crucial. Building Leafy Bike involved navigating numerous obstacles, from design challenges to market acceptance. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. Each challenge you overcome builds your resilience and prepares you for future hurdles.

Second, **innovation**. Continuously seeking innovative solutions has been a key driver of success. The creation of our two-seat electric bike was born from a desire to address gaps in the market. For those starting out, I recommend staying curious and open to new ideas. Innovation often comes from questioning the status quo and being willing to take calculated risks.

Finally, **collaboration**. Working effectively with others has been essential. Whether it’s partnering with municipalities or engaging with a dedicated team, collaboration has amplified our impact. To develop this skill, focus on building strong relationships and communication skills. Understanding different perspectives and working towards a common goal can lead to more effective and innovative solutions.

For those beginning their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities through practical experience and continuous learning. Embrace challenges, stay curious, and prioritize building strong, collaborative relationships. These skills will not only help you navigate your current path but also prepare you for the diverse challenges and opportunities ahead.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Whenever I find myself overwhelmed, I rely on a few strategies to effectively manage stress and regain my focus.

First, I begin by prioritizing tasks. Breaking down my workload into smaller, more manageable pieces helps me tackle each task methodically. This approach allows me to build momentum gradually, which I find more effective than trying to do everything at once.

Second, I believe in the power of taking short breaks. Stepping away from my work for a few minutes to clear my mind through activities like a brisk walk or deep breathing exercises helps me recharge. It’s a reminder that slow motion is better than no motion when it comes to maintaining productivity and well-being.

Third, I value my support networks. Discussing challenges with colleagues, friends, or family members often provides fresh perspectives and encouragement. Sharing my concerns not only lightens the load but also fosters collaborative problem-solving.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, I recommend finding strategies that resonate personally. Whether it’s prioritizing tasks, taking regular breaks, or seeking support, the key is recognizing when to step back and regroup. By doing so, it becomes possible to regain momentum steadily and ensure both productivity and personal balance are maintained.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leafybikes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leafybikes/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoseph-assefa-50449013b

Image Credits

Benyam Desta