In 2023, UK startup funding hit a six-year low, with early-stage fundraising rounds plummeting. This financial tightrope continued into 2024, with 22% of trading businesses reporting lower turnover in March than in February.

Founders now face relentless stress, chaos, and uncertainty in a landscape where the stakes feel higher than ever. Yet, for those able to adapt with purpose, there’s hope. Research from McKinsey shows that businesses agile enough to pivot in crises – think back to COVID-19 – outperformed peers by 30% in revenue growth.

In times of poly-crisis, the goal isn’t just survival, it’s about rising above the turbulence with purpose and finding new ways to thrive.

I know the toll trying to control the uncontrollable can take on mental health. In 2023, my team and I delivered over 1,000 hours of 1:1 mentoring, but my burnout was obvious to everyone… except me.

Extended leave over Christmas helped, but by January, everything fell apart. My heart raced, dizziness set in, and soon I was hyperventilating. My husband rushed me to the hospital, where I thought I was having a heart attack.

The diagnosis? A panic attack. Ironic, isn’t it? As Inspirer-in-Chief, I was burning myself out. Over two years, I rebuilt myself and the business from the inside out, re-learning to manage my emotional energy.

Today, I push instead of pull. I flow instead of force. As a mission-driven leader, I’m a believer in turning my lows into lessons.

So, to fellow founders, here are tips to weather any storm:

See things as they are

The world constantly pulls us in multiple directions. Maintaining clarity is your greatest asset. By grounding decisions in reality, you save energy and make smarter choices.

Focus on quality over quantity

Growth isn’t about more – it’s about doing the right work. Last year, I let go of a successful project to focus on a new opportunity. It wasn’t easy, but it enabled deeper growth.

Recognise the power of community

No founder succeeds alone. During my toughest times, it was my community – peers, mentors, and advisors – that became my lifeline, proving community is essential for growth.

Value genuine human connections

In a world of fast-track networking, authentic connections are invaluable. Built on trust and mutual respect, these relationships continue to support my growth.

Change before you have to

Proactive transformation builds resilience, positioning you to elevate when challenges arise.

Pursue greatness, not comfort

Don’t fear letting go of the good to reach for the great. The pursuit of greatness requires stepping out of comfort zones and driving innovation.

Celebrate every milestone

In the grind, it’s easy to overlook victories. Celebrate each step forward; every win lifts you higher.

Yes, resilience comes from profit, but also from mental and emotional strength. It’s not just about surviving – it’s about soaring to new heights. If you could breathe new life into your work today, what would the future look like for you.

This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Startups Magazine. Click here to subscribe