Change is a constant in both life and business. No matter how experienced you are, unexpected shifts can challenge your perspective and test your resilience. Over the course of my career, I have faced moments of transition, whether it was moving from one leadership role to another, navigating complex projects at Boeing, or helping grow Quest’s Qi2 Systems from its early stages. In each case, I learned that staying resilient requires two essential tools: faith and focus.
The Role of Faith in Navigating Uncertainty
Faith has always been my anchor when facing uncertainty. It provides the strength to keep moving forward even when the path is unclear. In business, unexpected changes can come in many forms, such as organizational restructuring, market shifts, or new technological challenges. When you are grounded in your faith, it is easier to approach these challenges with a sense of calm and perspective.
Faith is not just about hope. It is about trusting in a larger plan while taking action in the present. Early in my career, I encountered situations where projects seemed impossible, and colleagues doubted success. By relying on faith, I could maintain confidence in my abilities and the direction we were pursuing. This mindset allowed me to lead teams with steadiness and clarity, even when circumstances were difficult.
Focus as a Tool for Adaptation
While faith provides the inner strength to persevere, focus ensures that your energy is directed toward meaningful outcomes. Change can be distracting and overwhelming if you allow yourself to react to every minor challenge. Focusing on the big picture helps you prioritize actions that have the greatest impact.
During my time leading global teams, focus was crucial. Whether negotiating contracts, implementing operational changes, or mentoring colleagues, maintaining a clear vision allowed me to make informed decisions and guide others effectively. Staying focused does not mean ignoring obstacles. It means understanding which challenges require immediate attention and which ones can be addressed over time. Focus keeps you from becoming paralyzed by change and helps you move steadily toward your goals.
Building Resilience Through Experience
Resilience is not something you are born with. It is built over time through experience and reflection. Each challenge presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen your ability to adapt. Throughout my career, I have found that setbacks often carry valuable lessons. By approaching change with faith and focus, you can transform obstacles into opportunities for personal and professional development.
For example, being promoted at Boeing eight times taught me that each new responsibility comes with unexpected demands. Some were technical, some required strategic thinking, and others demanded strong interpersonal skills. Each challenge required resilience, patience, and a willingness to adapt. Faith gave me the confidence to persevere, and focus ensured that I could navigate each transition effectively.
The Interplay of Faith, Focus, and Tenacity
Tenacity is another essential component of resilience. Staying committed to your goals while maintaining flexibility requires a delicate balance. Faith and focus support tenacity by providing direction and stability. When you combine these qualities, you can approach change not as a threat, but as an opportunity to innovate and grow.
In my experience, leaders who exhibit faith-driven tenacity inspire their teams to do the same. People respond to calm, confident guidance, especially during periods of uncertainty. By demonstrating resilience, you create an environment where others feel empowered to adapt, take risks, and contribute their best ideas.
Practical Strategies for Staying Resilient
There are practical steps that anyone can take to strengthen resilience during times of change. First, maintain a consistent routine that includes reflection and planning. Taking time to evaluate challenges and set priorities reduces stress and clarifies the path forward.
Second, seek feedback and perspective from trusted colleagues or mentors. External insights help you see situations more clearly and avoid reactive decision-making. Throughout my career, I have found that thoughtful feedback often reveals opportunities that are not immediately obvious.
Third, focus on incremental progress. Change can feel overwhelming if you concentrate solely on the end result. By breaking challenges into manageable steps, you maintain momentum and build confidence with each success.
Finally, never underestimate the power of faith. Whether through prayer, meditation, or personal reflection, staying connected to your beliefs reinforces resilience. Faith reminds you that setbacks are temporary and that perseverance will lead to growth and achievement.
Resilience as a Leadership Advantage
Staying resilient during change is not just a personal advantage. It also strengthens your leadership capabilities. Teams look to their leaders for stability and direction. Demonstrating resilience shows that challenges can be met with composure and purpose.
Throughout my career, I have observed that leaders who cultivate faith and focus are better positioned to navigate transitions, inspire their teams, and drive meaningful results. Challenges are inevitable, but by approaching them with resilience, you set a positive example and create a culture that embraces adaptation.
Faith and focus have been central to my professional journey. They have allowed me to navigate complex challenges, support high-performing teams, and pursue innovative solutions with confidence. By combining these principles with tenacity and practical strategies, anyone can stay resilient in the face of change, turning uncertainty into opportunity, and achieving meaningful growth along the way.