The Resilient Entrepreneur

How can entrepreneurs become mentally, emotionally and practically prepared for a crisis? What strategies might help them endure and surface from a crisis?

Drawing on research and insights from 20 years spent studying entrepreneurs, Rachel Doern explores the experiences of entrepreneurs facing crises and presents practical strategies for building resilience in a turbulent world. Offering real-life examples and hands-on exercises, this book provides actionable steps to both strengthen resilience and avoid compromising it by adjusting our thinking, where we put our attention, our physical environment and resources.

Essential reading for entrepreneurs, students and academics, business stakeholders and mentors, this book provides a fresh perspective on navigating crises. Through personal stories of resilience, it offers inspiration and guidance for the resilience work we can all do.

An Introduction to Entrepreneurs in Crisis

1. Understanding Resilience

Part 1: Strategies Entrepreneurs Use That Strengthen Resilience

2. Distraction

3. Expectation Management

4. Positive Self-talk

5. Positive Reappraisal

6. Situation Selection and Modification

7. Offsetting Resource Losses

8. Leaning into Social Support

Part 2: Strategies That Compromise Resilience and How to Manage Them

9. Denial

10. Rumination

11. Behavioural Disengagement

Part 3: Conclusions

12. The Resilience Work We Can All Do

Additional Notes on the Implications of the Research

Additional Notes for Studying Entrepreneurs in Crisis and Resilience