What does it really mean to build resilience?
As a resilience speaker, I try to address the questions I’m often asked, like “How do I build resilience?” and “What does it take to be resilient?” These questions don’t have quick answers. Building resilience is more than bouncing back; it’s the choice to face life’s biggest challenges head-on and keep moving forward, even when it would be easier to stop. Resilience isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s a skill you build, one choice at a time. Here’s how building resilience has shaped my life and career, and how you can begin building it in yours.
The Real Work of Building Resilience
When I was born with cystic fibrosis (CF), I didn’t have a choice about the challenges I’d face. CF was there, unyielding, every day. So, I had to adapt and learn how to stay resilient despite the challenges. Then, when I lost my twin sister, Kate, to CF, resilience took on a new meaning. I made a promise to live for both of us and to keep pushing forward no matter what. That promise became the foundation of my resilience, guiding me through business, life, and loss.
Lessons from Dragon’s Den: Overcoming Rejection
When I took my Trunki suitcase to Dragon’s Den, I was confident in the product. Kids and parents got it instantly—they saw the value. But the investors, manufacturers, and retailers? It didn’t land with them. They weren’t the target audience, and the concept just didn’t click for them.
I didn’t rush back to overhaul Trunki. I knew the design was strong. A minor adjustment to the two-strap clip was all it needed. I didn’t change the vision because I trusted the right people would see its value. And those people arrived when Dragon’s Den aired. Trunki Dragon’s Den buzz helped Trunki sell out almost immediately, and for a few days, it was the topic of national conversation. Retailers started calling, and suddenly, Trunki was in front of the audience it was designed for: parents of toddlers.
Trunki became a global brand, not because it was “fixed” after Dragon’s Den, but because resilience meant holding steady and overcoming rejection, even when others didn’t yet see its value.
Building Resilience in Business: Focus on What You Can Control
When people ask me, “What does it take to be resilient?” I tell them: it starts with focusing on what you can control. With CF, there’s so much I can’t change. But I’ve learned to focus on what I can do with what I have.
This same mindset applies to resilience in business. When setbacks hit, building resilience is about asking, “What can I do with what I have right now?” Taking control over the things you can influence and letting go of the rest—that’s the core of resilience in business.
Building Resilience Daily, One Step at a Time
Building resilience daily isn’t about achieving a single, grand goal. It’s a daily decision to keep going, to keep showing up, even when life feels overwhelming. When people ask, “How do I build resilience?” I tell them, start with one small step. Find one thing you can control, one action you can take, and focus on that.
Resilience skills aren’t about the finish line—they’re about taking each step with purpose, each choice to keep moving forward. That’s how resilience skills are built—by facing the challenges, learning the lessons, and making every day count.
“Want to learn more about building resilience or book Rob as a speaker? Reach out today!”