The entrepreneurial journey is rarely straightforward. In this episode of The Obsessed View podcast, we talk about the remarkable story of Kath Jones, Founder of ThinkWine and Social Nation. Kath shares her journey through countless challenges, offering invaluable insights on how resilience in business can turn even the toughest situations into stepping stones for success. From handling stolen funds to managing fraudulent investors and difficult partnerships, Kath’s story is a must-hear for anyone navigating the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship.
If you’re seeking insights into how to weather the storms of entrepreneurship, Kath’s journey provides a blueprint for bouncing back stronger.
The Reality of Setbacks
Kath’s business journey has been anything but smooth. Over the years, she has faced numerous challenges that could have derailed her ventures entirely:
Stolen Funds For years, Kath worked with a trusted Wine Agent who helped her establish relationships with Italian vineyards. However, this partnership turned sour when the agent embezzled funds intended for her suppliers. Reflecting on the situation, she explained:
“For three years, he was so legitimate and helpful. But in year four, it all went wrong. Whether his story about being terminally ill was true or not doesn’t matter—I had to take it on the chin and move forward.”
Fraudulent Investors A supposed investor promised significant funding, encouraging Kath to expand her business operations. However, after nearly a year of promises, it became clear that the funds would never materialise. “He told me every week, ‘It’ll be in your account on Friday.’ It never came. I racked up debt expecting the investment—it was one of the hardest times in my life.”
Difficult Partnerships Outsourcing order fulfilment seemed like a practical decision, but it led to numerous customer service issues. Kath said: “The wrong bottles were being sent out, and communication was terrible. It was costing me not just financially but in customer trust. I decided to take fulfilment back in-house because customer service is key to me.”
Lessons in Resilience
Through these challenges, Kath developed a remarkable ability to bounce back. Here are the key lessons she learned about cultivating resilience in business:
Stay Mentally Strong “Make sure you are mentally stable before starting a business,” Kath advises. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re prone to anxiety or struggle with high levels of stress, it’s essential to build a support system or reconsider whether the pressure is worth it.
Learn from Setbacks Even when setbacks aren’t entirely your fault, there is value in reflecting on what could have been done differently. Kath shared: “When something goes wrong, I take a moment to figure out what I can learn from it. That’s how I move forward.”
Regulate Emotions Emotional regulation is critical for decision-making and leadership.
“I’m not an overly emotional person. I can step back and look at things logically, which helps me talk others off the cliff when things get tough.”
Build Resilience The entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Kath’s ability to keep going despite repeated setbacks has been crucial to her success. “Every time I got knocked down, I forced myself to get back up again. There were moments when I thought, ‘Why am I even doing this?’ But quitting was never an option.”
Trust Your Instincts After experiencing multiple breaches of trust, Kath has learned to listen to her gut. “If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. I’ll never ignore my instincts again—they’ve saved me more than once.”
Focus on Strengths Kath is a firm believer in playing to your strengths and outsourcing your weaknesses. “Why would I pull myself away from the things I’m good at to force myself to do things I hate? I hire the right people to do those jobs and focus on what I’m best at.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Kath’s story offers several lessons for anyone looking to start or grow a business. Here’s her advice for building resilience in business:
Prepare for the Unexpected “I’ve only just started seeing consistent profits in year five. Success takes time—be patient.”
Business is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. Mental and financial preparation is crucial for survival and growth.
Build a Strong Support Network A capable team can make all the difference in tough times. Kath shared: “I couldn’t do this without my team. They’re the reason I’ve been able to keep going.”
Embrace Authenticity Kath has been transparent about her journey on social media, which has helped her build a loyal following. “People connect with authenticity. I share the ups and downs because that’s real life, and it’s what resonates with people.”
Stay Persistent Kath’s persistence has been key to her success, even in the face of adversity. “There were times when I thought, ‘Am I just digging my own grave?’ But I kept going because I believed in the product. And now, it’s paying off.”
Resilience is the Cornerstone of Success
Kath Jones’ journey is a powerful example of resilience in business. Her ability to face setbacks head-on, learn from them, and keep moving forward is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.
If you’re considering starting a business, remember: setbacks are part of the process. With the right mindset, a strong support system, and belief in your vision, you can overcome even the toughest challenges. As Kath’s story proves, resilience isn’t just a skill, it’s the foundation of long-term success.
This episode of The Obsessed View is proudly sponsored by Constant Contact, the trusted platform for email marketing and automation. Whether you’re looking to build customer relationships, grow your audience, or drive sales, Constant Contact has the tools you need to thrive. Visit their website to explore how they can support your business journey.