Starting and growing a business isn’t easy. Michael Olaitan knows this firsthand. Every entrepreneur faces setbacks—some give up, while others push through. The difference? Resilience.
It’s not just about working hard. It’s about staying in the game when things don’t go your way. Research shows that half of all businesses fail within five years. By year ten, only a third survive. Many don’t make it—not because the founders weren’t smart or skilled, but because challenges are inevitable.
For Michael Olaitan, resilience has been the key to navigating the tough world of business. And if you’re building something of your own, it should be a key part of your strategy too.
Why Resilience Matters in Business
No matter the industry, setbacks will come. The economy shifts. Customers hesitate. Unexpected costs pile up.
In the solar energy sector, for example, businesses struggle with funding, regulatory changes, and public skepticism.
But here’s the truth:
Challenges are part of the process. Every business faces them.
Resilient entrepreneurs adapt. They don’t let obstacles stop them.
Success is about persistence. The most successful people aren’t those who never fail—they’re the ones who keep going.
Michael Olaitan has seen this firsthand in the renewable energy space. The businesses that survive aren’t the ones that never hit roadblocks—they’re the ones that learn, adjust, and push forward.
How to Build Resilience in Business – Lessons from Michael Olaitan
Resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you develop. Here’s how:
1. Expect Challenges (and Plan for Them)
Many businesses fail, not because of one big mistake, but because they weren’t ready for setbacks. The most resilient founders expect obstacles and plan ahead.
Ask yourself:
What’s the biggest risk in my business right now? What’s my backup plan if things don’t go as expected? How can I turn obstacles into opportunities?
For Michael Olaitan, anticipating challenges has been a key strategy in growing a successful solar energy business.
2. Stay Focused on the Bigger Picture
In the solar industry, many companies struggle early on because of high installation costs and customer skepticism. But those who stay focused on their mission—making solar accessible—find ways to push through.
If your business is only about money, tough times will wear you down. But if you have a bigger purpose, it will fuel you when things get tough.
3. Learn and Adapt Quickly
The most resilient entrepreneurs never stop learning. They study trends, ask questions, and adjust when needed.
96% of businesses that focus on resilience fully recover from disruptions.
The solar industry has survived market crashes, government policy changes, and supply chain issues—because the companies that adapt don’t get left behind.
When Michael Olaitan entered the solar industry, he didn’t know everything. But he learned, adapted, and kept growing.
4. Surround Yourself with the Right People
Success isn’t a solo journey. The right network—mentors, business partners, and a strong team—can help you navigate challenges.
Find people who have been where you are and learn from their experiences. Michael Olaitan built a network of experts and industry leaders, helping him make informed decisions in his business.
5. Keep Going
Most businesses fail because they stop. Not because the idea was bad. Not because it was impossible. But because they gave up too soon.
Every successful entrepreneur has stories of setbacks. The difference is, they didn’t quit.
Final Thoughts – Michael Olaitan on Resilience in Business
Resilience is one of the most valuable skills you can build as an entrepreneur. It’s not about avoiding failure—it’s about learning, growing, and pushing forward.
So, when challenges come, don’t see them as signs to stop. See them as opportunities to grow stronger. Because the ones who make it aren’t always the smartest or the luckiest. They’re the ones who refuse to quit.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in business? How did you push through? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your story.
