Resilience is one of the defining characteristics of social entrepreneurs. It is the inner strength that keeps you moving when resources are scarce, when doubt creeps in, and when your mission asks more of you than you expected. In this episode of Avant-Garde Entrepreneur, Dr. Trisha Bailey revisits three powerful conversations that reveal how resilience is built, tested, and strengthened through lived experience.
First, we return to Dr. Trisha’s conversation with Jennifer Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, who demonstrates how personal hardship can become the foundation of an unshakeable purpose. Next, we revisit her conversation with Mohamed (Mo) Ahmed, whose story shows how determination, creativity, and community can help entrepreneurs push through obstacles that once felt insurmountable. Finally, we reflect on Dr. Trisha’s conversation with Steve Duddy, a leader whose resilience has been shaped by reinvention, humility, and a deep commitment to service.
Jennifer reveals how to ground yourself when life demands more than you think you can give. Mo shows how to adapt when the path changes beneath your feet. Steve illustrates the strength that comes from staying flexible and focused through seasons of transition. Together, their stories remind us that resilience is not simply the ability to survive hardship. It is the ability to grow through it.
Tune in and listen to the seventy-eighth episode to learn how to build inner steadiness, rise through challenges with clarity, and strengthen the resilience that keeps your mission moving forward.
In this episode, you will learn:
How early life experiences shaped Jennifer’s commitment to serving underserved students (4:00)
Why resilience begins with accepting your story and choosing to move through it with intention (7:10)
The moment Jennifer realized her mission mattered too much to quit (11:30)
How Mo rebuilt momentum after losing key partnerships and resources (16:20)
Why community support becomes essential fuel during difficult seasons (19:40)
What entrepreneurship taught Mo about perseverance, identity, and self-belief (22:50)
How Steve learned to navigate unexpected changes with steadiness and focus (27:00)
The habits that help leaders stay grounded during seasons of uncertainty (32:40)
Connect with Jennifer Ann Johnson:
Listen to The Confident Entrepreneur podcast
Connect with Mohamed (Mo) Ahmed:
Join the Boundless Founder's community
Connect with Steve Duddy:
Email: duddy.steven@gmail.com
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