The Power of Perseverance: How Failure and Resilience Shape Dreams

In life, we all face moments of doubt, obstacles that seem insurmountable, and failures that leave us questioning whether our dreams are achievable. But the truth is, perseverance—born out of those failures—is often the key to living the life of your dreams. Whether you're battling personal challenges like recovering from cancer, navigating the heartbreak of divorce, or striving for success in your career, resilience is the thread that binds these journeys together. Take inspiration from leaders like Travis Kelce and Steve Jobs, who embody the principles of persistence and triumph over adversity.

Tonight, Travis Kelce reminded us all what it means to rise after a less than stellar past few games (and after a lot of people talked sh** about him recently). In a game filled with intensity and stakes, Kelce’s performance on the field was a testament to both physical and mental perseverance. His ability to push past the noise, recover from setbacks, and dominate on the field demonstrates a lesson applicable to all of us: greatness is often achieved not by avoiding failure, but by pushing through it.

Kelce’s example brings to mind the wisdom of startup founders like Steve Jobs, who famously said, “I’m convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.” Jobs experienced his share of professional setbacks, including being fired from Apple, the very company he founded. But instead of giving up, he used those failures as fuel, later returning to revolutionize the industry once more. His story is a reminder that failure is not a stop sign—it’s a stepping stone.

I’m also reminded of a conversation I had a about five years ago, whose startup had failed. In reflecting on the journey, he said something that has stuck with me: “The First Time is just a learning experience.” There’s wisdom in those words. In both work and life, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush to succeed, but true success often comes from being purposeful in what we are building. When you rush through life or a project without intention, you risk missing critical steps that lay the foundation for long-term success. Failure is not just a setback; it’s a lesson in patience and purposeful action. Thankfully my founder friend is thriving again and raised a successful series B on his 2nd company.

Today, I find myself reflecting deeply on perseverance and purpose. It would have been my sixth wedding anniversary today, but instead, I’m writing this under a sky full of stars, on a sailboat in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. My husband left me, and the divorce was a painful chapter in my life. Yet, through heartbreak, I discovered a new strength within myself. The person who was once afraid of an uncertain future now finds peace in its unpredictability. Each star above me tonight is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always light to guide the way.

For those recovering from cancer or enduring personal loss, or navigating the uncertainty of the start-up world the lessons from Kelce, Jobs, and my founder friend hold deeply personal significance. The road to recovery—whether from illness, a failed business, or heartache—is often fraught with emotional and physical challenges, yet it is precisely this path that builds resilience. By slowing down, reflecting on what truly matters, and being purposeful in every step, we allow ourselves the space to grow, heal, and build something meaningful.

In both life and business, resilience and failure are intertwined. The life of your dreams isn’t handed to you—it’s earned through grit, determination, and a refusal to give up, no matter the challenges. Whether you're recovering from cancer, facing the end of a marriage, or building your career, remember Kelce’s performance tonight (especially after all the sh** talk recently), Jobs' tenacity, and my founder friend’s advice. Failure is not the end, but part of the process of building something great—purposefully and with intention.

Keep pushing forward, and you’ll find yourself living the life you’ve always dreamed of—perhaps even under a sky full of stars. And at the end of the day, I think Taylor Swift is right....karma is a relaxing thought and it always comes back around.