The First Years Are War — Here’s How Resilient Entrepreneurs Win
“Business Resilience: How to Survive the First Years of Entrepreneurship”
Every entrepreneur knows the excitement of launching a new business, but few talk openly about the chaos that follows. The first years of entrepreneurship are not glamorous. They are tough, unpredictable, lonely at times… and absolutely defining.
In Mente Hispana Episode 03, Mariana Zorrilla shared a truth that every Hispanic entrepreneur in the U.S. must hear: “Your business only grows to the level of resilience you’re willing to build.” Resilience is not just endurance, it’s strategy, mindset, and identity.
1. Embrace the Discomfort, It’s Not a Sign of Failure
Many entrepreneurs mistake discomfort for a warning sign. Mariana reframes it: discomfort is proof of growth.
During the early years, income fluctuates, plans fall apart, clients change direction, and doubt becomes a daily companion. Resilience begins when leaders stop resisting discomfort and start learning from it.
2. Build a Support System Before You Think You Need One
The early years test relationships, confidence, and identity. Mariana’s journey accelerated the moment she stopped trying to do everything alone. True resilience comes from interdependence, mentors, advisors, collaborators, and community.
3. Money Stress Is Inevitable, But It Must Not Become Identity
Cash flow uncertainty often triggers fear or self-doubt, but financial struggles are part of the journey, not a reflection of worth. Mariana reminds leaders: “You can feel pressure without letting pressure define you.” Discipline becomes a superpower.
4. Reinvent Yourself as Many Times as Needed
The first version of your business rarely succeeds. Mariana’s willingness to pivot and evolve made her stronger. Latino entrepreneurs are natural reinventors, this adaptability becomes a strategic advantage.
The early years are the hardest but also the most transformational. As Mariana said, “There’s no growth without resistance.” Resilience isn’t something we learn, it’s something we already carry as a community.
Follow Mente Hispana on Spotify and YouTube to hear more stories from leaders like Mariana Zorrilla who are redefining resilience in entrepreneurship.
Written by Sergio Velarde, MBA, M.A. in Human Capital Management, and Industrial Engineer. He is the CEO of GTMG and Founder of Mente Hispana, The Thought Leadership Podcast. With 10+ years of international experience in organizational strategy and human development, Sergio helps leaders build resilient, high-performing teams across cultures.
References
Harvard Business Review (2023). “Why Emotional Resilience Determines Entrepreneurial Success.”
McKinsey & Company (2024). “Leading Through Uncertainty: The Psychology of High-Resilience Founders.”