Embracing Resilience: Angela O'Brien's Journey from Crisis to Innovation

In a recent interview with Beth from the Lenovo Pro Community, Angela O'Brien, a seasoned business owner, coach, and consultant, shared her remarkable journey of resilience and innovation. Angela's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the importance of leveraging technology and human capacity in business.

Angela's Background and Expertise

Angela O'Brien is the founder and co-owner of Esteem Lingerie and the Esteem Bra Fitting Academy in West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. With over 19 years of experience in the luxury lingerie industry, Angela has also ventured into business coaching, consulting, and training. Her journey began in the corporate insurance industry, where she honed her skills in business development and coaching.

Overcoming Adversity: The 2023 Forest Fire

In August 2023, Angela faced a significant challenge when a forest fire threatened her community and business. The fire, initially considered a minor threat, quickly escalated, forcing evacuations and causing extensive damage. Angela's store, while spared from direct fire damage, suffered from smoke and soot contamination, leading to the destruction of her inventory.

The Turning Point: Embracing Change and Innovation

Despite the devastation, Angela viewed the crisis as an opportunity for transformation. She leveraged her insurance knowledge to navigate the recovery process and embraced technology to streamline her business operations. Angela's approach involved:

Decluttering and Simplifying: Angela eliminated unnecessary processes and focused on essential tasks, allowing her to rebuild her business more efficiently.
Leveraging Technology: By adopting new technological tools and systems, Angela enhanced her business's efficiency and freed up time for creativity and innovation.
Fostering a Culture of Play and Creativity: Angela encouraged her team to embrace creativity and play, reigniting their passion for the business.

The Power of Asking "Why" and Saying "No"

Angela emphasized the importance of asking "why" to challenge existing processes and make informed decisions. She also highlighted the value of setting boundaries by saying "no" to projects or tasks that do not align with the business's core values and goals.

Angela's Masterclass: Preparing for the Unexpected

Angela offers a free masterclass through the Esteem Bra Fitting Academy, where she shares her insights on building resilience and preparing for unforeseen challenges. The masterclass provides practical steps for entrepreneurs to enhance their mental capacity and leverage technology effectively.

Angela O'Brien's journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability required in business. By embracing change, leveraging technology, and prioritizing human capacity, Angela transformed a crisis into an opportunity for growth and innovation. Her story inspires entrepreneurs to prepare for the unexpected and harness their creativity to thrive in any situation.

For more insights and to access Angela's masterclass, visit Esteem Bra Fitting Academy.