By 
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the “Built to Win” podcast, where we delve into inspiring stories and practical advice from respected business leaders. In this episode, we sit down with the executive team of Neora, a company that has navigated a historic and unprecedented challenge that no other organization has successfully tackled.
Joining us are Amber Olson Rourke, the co-founder and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Neora; Jeff Olson, the co-founder and renowned thought leader; Deborah Hees, the co-founder and CEO of Live Happy and the CO-CEO of Neora; and Dave Fleming, a seasoned executive who joined the Neora team during their pivotal battle.
Amber sets the stage, emphasizing that being “built to win” means having the core components—values, mindset, attitude, skillset, and work ethic—to tackle any challenge head-on. She notes that the Neora team has navigated numerous hardships in their careers, which has forged their resilience and prepared them for the monumental battle they will soon face.
Jeff Olson, Amber’s father, shares his perspective on leadership, highlighting the importance of mindset and philosophy. He explains that the key for a leader is to create an environment that shifts the team’s attitude in a positive direction, fostering unity and a shared vision even in the darkest times.
Deborah Hees echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the criticality of integrity, trust, and transparency within the team. She believes that building a solid foundation of shared values and principles equips an organization to tackle any challenge, no matter how daunting.
Dave Fleming, the newest addition to the Neora team, provides a unique perspective. He shares that when considering joining the company, he was drawn to the trust and alignment he witnessed among the leadership team. Rather than viewing the challenge as a risk, he saw it as an opportunity to be part of something significant – a pioneering effort no other company had accomplished.
The conversation then turns to the heart of the matter – the seven-year battle that Neora faced, a challenge that no other executive team had successfully navigated before. Amber poignantly describes this as the “road untraveled,” a testament to the uncharted territory the Neora team was navigating.
The leaders discuss the mental fortitude, resiliency, and unwavering commitment required to persevere through such a prolonged and arduous endeavor. Jeff emphasizes simplifying one’s life and minimizing distractions, allowing the team to remain focused on the task. Deborah and Amber share how they found joy and balance, leaning on their support systems and maintaining perspective on what truly matters.
Ultimately, the Neora team’s ability to stay true to their values, communicate transparently, and support one another emotionally and strategically was the foundation that allowed them to emerge victorious from this historic battle. As the episode closes, the leaders tease the next installment, where they will finally reveal the details of the Goliath that Neora conquered, inspiring others who may face seemingly insurmountable challenges in their businesses and lives.
Comments