In our building blocks of success series, we tackle the various foundational blocks we believe are essential for success. Resilience is near the top of the list, because pursuing greatness almost always means you will face losses, mistakes and tough times along your journey. The ability to bounce back is so critical and we hope the stories below will inspire you to dig deep and discover more of your own resiliency.

Divaa N’kenge

My resilience stems from multiple sources but ultimately it’s from me. My drive to make a difference, to make an impact and to never stop doing what I am passionate about. I’ve watched my mother build an empire from the ground up which inspired me to never stop dreaming and making it reality. Read More>>

Olanrewaju John Nwabueze

As a master of ceremonies for many years, I have developed resilience through a combination of preparation, adaptability, and a deep connection with my audience. The ability to think on my feet, handle unexpected situations with grace, and maintain energy throughout an event has strengthened my ability to persevere in any setting. Read More>>

Colleen Wenner

My resilience comes quite simply from my decision to always get back up when I fail.
That decision came from a deeply felt desire to succeed, and make life just a bit easier for someone else by sharing my story.
I also credit my ability to persevere despite downtrodden odds to my repeatedly tested yet unwavering faith in God Read More>>

Henry Bowles

My resilience comes from three sources. First, brute life experience: The extreme bullying that I faced as a child and teenager forced me to choose between victimhood and self-reliance. Ultimately, I chose the latter. Second, personal development: During a period at Harvard where I felt especially stuck, I found a pastime that—to quote Jim Rohn—”revolutionized my whole life”: studying mindset, agility, and performance psychology.  Read More>>

Jenny Uribe

I actually get asked this question fairly often, and I believe my resilience comes from a few reasons. First, I truly believe in myself, even on days when it’s tough and it feels far from the truth. I trust that if I set my mind to something, especially if I’m passionate about it, I can achieve it. Another reason is that I have a clear vision of how I want my life to look in the future. I know it will take hard work to get there, but that vision keeps me going. Read More>>

Ria Kim

I get my resilience from my passion for my work and the emotional connections I see in my clients. As a pet portrait tattoo artist, I often create tattoos for people honoring their beloved pets. There’s a lot of pressure to capture their bond perfectly, which can be challenging. But over time, I’ve learned to trust my process and stay patient with myself.  Read More>>

Pedro Blanco

Where do I get my resilience from… That’s an interesting question! I’m not entirely sure, however resilience can come from different places—maybe it’s a mix of past experiences, inner strength, and the support you get from the people around you. I’m very in tune with myself and I have an inner FIRE within me that makes me want to succeed, WIN and OVERCOME! Obviously, there are days where I feel tiny, defeated, tired and out of energy, but that’s okay. Read More>>

Tia Zatonya Brightwell

I can honestly say that the resilience inside of me definitely comes from my faith and the faith that was demonstrated from Women in my family and community delayed through the good, bad and ugly time that life shows us. I truly believe this even for the women I do life with. Read More>>

Jose Hernandez

I have would have to say from being Latino. Ive had to work twice as hard as my white counterparts just to get to the level where they are at. I think resilience is embedded in all people of color. Its from that place where I hear that tiny voice in my soul screaming dont give up, dont stop, keep moving. I am very thankful that my mother instilled in me that voracity and fighting attitude to continue when others want to see me fail. Read More>>

Mei Ling Marzonie

My resilience comes from a combination of life experiences, challenges, and the determination to keep moving forward no matter what. Growing up, I learned the importance of goal setting, hard work, and consistency. Those values became my foundation, and I’ve carried them with me through every stage of my life. Read More>>

Jennifer Chevchek

Resilience is something I’ve inherited, shaped by my upbringing and the women who have inspired me, particularly my mother. I grew up in a small town in eastern Washington, a place with a unique mix of scientists and farmers, with a history tied to the production of plutonium for the nuclear bomb. Read More>>

Kngsley Lord

Personal Growth & Experience-Based Responses:
– I get my resilience from my life experiences. Facing challenges and overcoming obstacles has taught me to adapt and keep pushing forward.”
– My resilience comes from my upbringing. I was taught to never give up, no matter how tough things get.” Read More>>

Linda Xu

I think I get my resilience from my mom and grandma and growing up with a lot of independence. In some ways, I come from a matriarchal line of women who achieved high professional achievements in the medical field. Both my mom and my aunt are doctors, my sister is currently in medical school, and my grandma was a pharmacist. And although I’m not a doctor myself, Read More>>

Yllari Briceño

My resilience comes from a mix of life’s challenges, the strength I inherited from my parents, and a deep spiritual understanding that life is constantly evolving and that we are more interconnected than we often realize. In an increasingly individualistic world, I’ve learned that connection with others is a powerful force that helps us face life’s struggles. I’ve changed and grown many times—sometimes by choice, other times due to circumstances beyond my control.  Read More>>

Chris Elijah

My resilience comes from my faith in God and the visions He has placed in my heart. There have been countless times I’ve wanted to give up, but the thought of not fulfilling God’s purpose for my life outweighs any fear of failure. His plan is greater than my doubts, and that keeps me moving forward. Read More>>

Kastina Morrison

Resilience, to me, is about adapting, learning, and finding creative solutions even when the road ahead is unclear. It’s also about recognizing that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. In this industry, where every event is a high-stakes, high-emotion experience, I’ve learned that aiming for a solid B+ consistently is far more sustainable than burning yourself out in the pursuit of an unattainable A+. Owning a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and the key is to keep moving forward. Read More>>

Maelin Bereal

To begin with, I get my resilience from GOD…

On January 7, 2025, my family and I lost our home due to the Eaton Canyon Fire. We evacuated around 8 p.m. to a family member’s house. However, when we went back to our own home the next morning, EVERYTHING was gone. Read More>>

 Melissa Soto

My journey in fashion has been anything but linear. Like the industry itself, I’ve had to navigate cycles of change, unpredictability, and even moments of complete standstill. When the pandemic hit, fashion, like many creative industries, faced uncertainty—brands scaled back, trends shifted, and consumer priorities evolved overnight. But resilience, I’ve learned, comes from the ability to adapt while staying true to the heart of why I create. Read More>>

Lorece Chanelle

My resilience comes from the unwavering love, support, and guidance of my family. They taught me that I can weather any storm as long as I learn, do my best, and advocate for myself and others.

Since my senior year of high school, my mom encouraged me to “walk through the doors of opportunity.” She taught me to actively seek ways to contribute and grow, while believing that success was within reach. I enjoyed tutoring students after school. Read More>>

Melvin Lopez

Facing adversities at a young age and maintaining self-discipline can become a superpower. When you build so much confidence in yourself, you can adapt, no matter how terrible the situation is. You will achieve unimaginable success once you learn how to get out of your shell and learn the art of trusting yourself. As you keep learning about my story, “Trust and consistency” are the vital words in my life. Read More>>

Dr. Robert Hernandez

My resilience comes from my passion, and my passion refers to various areas that excite me and light me up. This gives me energy to bounce back into the work that I’m doing or resume a situation.
When COVID hit, like many business owners, I faced a moment that tested my resilience in ways I never expected.  Read More>>

Shannon-nicole Pring

My resilience stems from a deep drive to succeed beyond my trials and errors. Growing up, I witnessed the hardships my immigrant grandmother and parents endured to make it to the States. Their perseverance inspired me to break free from the expectations of a ‘traditional’ life and define my own legacy. Read More>>

Annelise Gerome

Title: The Journey of Resilience: A Legacy of Health, Family, and Olive Oil

Introduction
It all started in 2011 when my father, a dedicated cardiologist, and I, then working in radiology, enrolled in the Culinary Medicine program at Tulane Medical School. We were both passionate about heart health and intrigued by how food could impact it. Little did I know, this was the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would change my life. Read More>>

Jasmine Thompson

Resilience, for me, is not just a trait—it’s a lifeline. It is woven into the fabric of my existence, shaped by the challenges I have faced and the purpose I have embraced.

Being the first in my maternal lineage to break cycles of struggle, I grew up in an impoverished inner-city community where opportunities felt scarce. But I refused to let my circumstances define me. I knew I wanted more—not just for myself, but for the generations that would follow. Every trial and tribulation along the way only strengthened my resolve.  Read More>>

Anwar Jr.

One of the main things is my mental health journey, and how far I’ve come from that. Also it comes from keeping the faith in God to guide me when there’re so many times where I didn’t even feel in my body at moments. I’m resilient because of my family, they’re the reason why I’m still here doing what I do best, believing in myself. Read More>>

Buffie Mclaskey

I get my resilience from going through extremely hard, uncomfortable, and inescapable situations that I had no control over or say in.

I have learned from a young age that yes it’s hard and painful to go through challenging and sometimes intense and scary situations but I made it through and I still had my health, my mind, and my will to do and be better, which is a blessing that some do not have. Read More>>