Overcoming Challenges to create 100+ Jobs and a Multi-Million Dollar Business
/Trajectify Live brought together dozens of talented entrepreneurs with extensive backgrounds in various fields that created a day filled with countless stories, trials and tribulations, and few good laughs along the way.
Growing a multi-million dollar company rarely comes easy. The path to success is certainly different for each hungry entrepreneur. Lisa Robinson is a Trajectify client and was one of the keynote speakers with a heart-warming story that opened our eyes to a new perspectives. She’s the founder and CEO of My Independence at Home (MYIAH), a home healthcare company providing quality, compassionate and professional care to the elderly and adults with disabilities, fostering a greater sense of independence and improved quality of life.
Lisa was not always on the path the home healthcare. Her story to success was unconventional. She didn’t start out as the leader that we see today taking over the stage or the owner that the U.S. Small Business Administration named Eastern Pennsylvania District Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year.
“I was not a born leader. Your life experiences help grow you into the leader you want to become,” says Lisa. She credits her success on the lessons learned on her journey through life. She is the daughter of a military family. Being raised in a military family led to constant moving, never staying put for too long, leading to discrimination and bullying throughout her childhood. Lisa herself later enlisted and was in the armed forces for eight years. “Joining the Army, I never let the drill sergeants get to me because I already lived through the worst as a child.“
Later enduring a devastating stroke in her thirties, Lisa’s path changed, ultimately leading her to re-envision home healthcare. “The path I thought I was going to take changed completely and I think that’s a good thing because I know I am exactly where I need to be.”
The path to success was an ever-changing one. She shares that as we grow, our dreams grow, and as we head towards our goals, they evolve. “If you told me 20 years ago that I would be standing here telling you about [MYIAH], I would tell you that you are crazy.”
We’ve gathered six lessons that Lisa shared with us that she’s learned along her journey of growing a multi-million dollar company.
On Perseverance
You can’t be afraid to fail
One of the biggest regrets of entrepreneurs who are starting businesses is letting their fear of failure hold them back from taking chances that could lead to huge successes. “You can’t be afraid to fail. If you are afraid to fail, you will stunt your growth,” says Lisa Robinson.
Every challenge is an opportunity to learn
Lisa’s path changed dramatically throughout her life based on circumstances often beyond her control. “Life experiences help you grow through your challenges,” she says. Your path is not going to be straight and easy. Learn as you go and learn as you grow.
Just keep swimming
“Even though the message is simplistic, her message is huge,” Lisa quotes Dory from “Finding Nemo.” Throughout every challenge, question, and pushback, all you have to do is… “Just keep swimming.”
On Leadership
Roll up your sleeves, always be a part of the team
The day before an important meeting, Lisa found herself on the bathroom floor with a broom and dust plan. Just because you gained the title of CEO doesn’t automatically make you a leader. Lead your team by example. Don’t let your title get in the way of being part of the team.
Be approachable, but not weak
“Have an open door policy. Let [your team] approach you, listen to their ideas. Don’t just say they can come to you - you need to really listen.” Most of Lisa’s team is younger and their experience and knowledge vary, yet they bring a new and innovative look at MYIAH that she would not get elsewhere. Be open to new ideas from every member of your team.
Be fair to your team
Your team wants to see and help you succeed. Be fair to them. Your success is their success and vice versa. Lisa says, “If someone is coming into work late, don’t just jump to conclusions. Ask them. You don’t know what could be going on.”
