We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Linda Andrews. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Linda below.
Linda , 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 has been ingrained in my journey since birth. At just 10 days old, I was baptized due to a rare childhood illness. Then, at the tender age of 4, I faced an injury that could have resulted in severe consequences, including brain damage, blindness, or even death. Throughout my teenage years, I encountered various traumas that left me feeling abandoned by those closest to me. Despite these challenges, resilience became synonymous with survival for me; it became an integral part of who I am.
During my youth, I channeled this resilience into athletics, particularly through my swimming career. This dedication eventually earned me a college scholarship, allowing me to pursue a double major and assume leadership as a team captain. However, as time passed, this resilience manifested as unrelenting standards and a profound sense of imposter syndrome. I constantly felt inadequate, as if nothing I did was ever good enough.
Yet, with the passage of time, I’ve learned to soften these self-imposed expectations. I’ve discovered how to nurture my nervous system and leverage my resilience not only for my benefit but also for the betterment of my customers, team, and community.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m currently focused on growing Lila Life, which serves as the intersection of business and wellbeing for pre-revenue founders aiming to achieve $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) or more. Alongside this, I collaborate with other B2B clients who cater to the same audience. What’s particularly exciting about this endeavor is its holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Many early-stage founders struggle not only because they lack a solid understanding of business fundamentals but also because they haven’t established robust wellbeing practices.
Through the Lila Life platform, which includes the Lila Life Show podcast and the Lila Life Collective membership, I aim to address these challenges head-on. The name “Lila” holds special significance to me; it means “divine play” in Sanskrit, a term I stumbled upon during a transformative month living in a tent at an ashram in the Bahamas. With over 55,000 hours of wellbeing and performance training and experience under my belt, I’m passionate about sharing these insights with others on a mission to empower them to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
My ultimate goal is to catalyze a paradigm shift where 1 billion founders successfully reach $1 million in ARR, thereby reshaping the landscape of business. After all, business is fundamentally about solving problems, and our world is ripe with challenges waiting to be addressed.
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 on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been especially impactful:
Service: Throughout my experiences, a commitment to service has been paramount. Whether it was serving clients in my finance career or fostering a community of entrepreneurs through Lila Life, prioritizing the needs and well-being of others has guided my path. My advice to those starting their journey is to cultivate a mindset of service early on. Actively seek opportunities to contribute to others’ success and well-being, as this not only enriches your own journey but also builds meaningful connections and fosters personal growth.
Curiosity: Curiosity has been a driving force behind my exploration and growth. Embracing a curious mindset has led me to discover new passions, explore different perspectives, and continuously expand my knowledge and skills. For those embarking on their journey, I encourage nurturing a sense of curiosity about the world around you. Ask questions, seek out new experiences, and remain open to learning from every encounter. Curiosity fuels innovation, fosters adaptability, and empowers you to navigate challenges with creativity and resilience.
Values: Understanding and aligning with my core values has been instrumental in shaping my decisions and actions. Whether it’s integrity, authenticity, or compassion, my values serve as guiding principles that anchor me in times of uncertainty and guide me toward fulfilling my purpose. To those at the beginning of their journey, I recommend taking the time to identify and reflect on your own values. Clarifying what matters most to you provides a solid foundation for making choices that align with your true self and lead to fulfillment and success.
In addition to these qualities, my experiences in disciplines such as swimming, finance, improv, cooking and spending time in nature have contributed to my personal and professional growth. By embracing service, curiosity, and values, along with these diverse experiences, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and meaningful contribution to the world around them.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a variety of strategies to help me regain balance and perspective. Firstly, I prioritize unplugging and connecting with nature. Whether it’s taking a dip in the ocean, going for a walk, or spending time in my garden, immersing myself in natural surroundings has a calming effect on my mind and body. Additionally, I find solace in simple activities like taking a bath, practicing deep breathing, or meditating, which help to center my thoughts and alleviate stress.
Engaging in activities that bring me joy, such as cooking or writing, serves as a form of self-care during overwhelming times. Sometimes, reaching out to a friend or loved one for support and guidance can provide much-needed comfort and perspective.
Another helpful strategy is to confront the overwhelm head-on by making a list of everything that’s weighing on my mind. By visually organizing my thoughts, I can better understand the root causes of my overwhelm and prioritize tasks accordingly. I also spend time reflecting on how I’ve been neglecting my physical and emotional well-being, as overwhelm can often be a sign that something important is being overlooked.
Radical honesty with myself is key in addressing overwhelm effectively. It’s crucial to confront the underlying issues with transparency and authenticity, rather than avoiding or denying them. By acknowledging and addressing the root causes of overwhelm, I can take proactive steps to restore balance and regain a sense of control in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lialife.co
Image Credits
Oak Media Van Richardson Kenna Schott
