Episode 1: The Resilient Mindset with Judy Brooks and Lili Fortin
Listen on → Apple Podcast | Spotify
ABOUT THE EPISODE
“Remember, in the end, whatever advice, insight or observation you get, you are in control of making the decision.” – Judy Brooks
In times of stress and uncertainty, our brains often turn to what we know. So how can we develop a mindset and practices to become more resilient? In this episode of The Go-To, we set the stage for our 5-episode mini-series where we explore the concept of resilience – how to build it and how to maintain it.
A resilient mindset is about optimism, creativity, and positivity. It’s about considering options and shifting possibilities. We dive head first (literally) into the science of resilience with Judy Brooks, Entrepreneur, Executive Chair at SmartSweets, and FWE Chair. Then, we discover the traits and values that allowed Lili Fortin, President of Tristan, to pivot her 700-person clothing production business into a 7-person team that manufactures face shields, all within one week. Grab a pen and paper and let’s dig in.
In this episode:
Learn how your brain works in uncertain situations with a powerful exercise
Judy discusses optimism and the importance of having options
Lili shares the thought process behind pivoting her business in a few short days
Discover ways you can make your business more agile and adaptable for change
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Workbook: Dive deeper into the concepts of episode 1 with our free, downloadable workbook.
“Umm... I Missed That”
Entrepreneurship is a world of its own, which means the some of the lingo used might get lost in translation. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are a few of the key terms you’ll hear on this episode of The Go-To and what they actually mean.
Emotional intelligence: the capacity to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions
Supply chain: the process and steps involved in the production and distribution of your product to the end user
Wellbeing: the state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous
Meet Our Guests
Judy Brooks, Entrepreneur; Executive Chair, SmartSweets; FWE Chair
#ResilienceIs: the ability to be hopeful and how I am hopeful is to sit in options. Options create optimism and that creates joy for me because now I do have the power to choose.
Judy mentors CEO Founders, Partners, Boards and Senior teams to bring clarity and leadership development in high transition times (mergers, acquisitions, and strategic changes). Judy is known for her ability to lead clear conversations that shift outcomes.
Judy founded, built, and successfully sold three companies over the last 30 years. She has a reputation for strategically building international businesses, fiscally responsible companies, dynamic teams, and meaningful brands and cultures. A well-known presenter and mentor in the business community, Judy leads immersive leadership retreats, for intact teams, non-intact teams, boards, and influencer groups.
Currently, Judy serves as the Executive Chair of SmartSweets and as Chair of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs. She previously served on the Boards of YELL Canada, Small Business BC and was a past Advisory Board Member for The Smart Cookies, Nurse Next Door, YYoga, Young Women in Business, and others in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
Lili Fortin, President, Tristan
#ResilienceIs: knowing that success does not come easily and it is not free. You have to work hard for it. Sometimes timing and luck happens, but I have never relied only on that because I just know the value of hard work.
At a very young age, Lili discovered a passion for horses and show jumping competitions. Throughout high school and college, while working part time as a sales associate in Tristan stores, she was competing at the international level in horseback riding (jumping) and was aiming for a professional career as an athlete. In 1999, she won the silver medal at the prestigious international competition ‘Young Riders’ Championship’ in Illinois.
In 2004, after completing her bachelor’s degree in International Business, Lili develops a taste of business and takes her first step in the management team of the family business as the manager of the US retail division. During this time, Lili is in charge of the buying, the operations and the inventory management for the stores in the US. In 2009, the major leases expiring soon, Lili decided to get an MBA degree from INSEAD. With campuses in France and in Singapore, Lili got the international exposure she was looking for. After graduating from INSEAD, Lili stayed in Asia and worked for a division of Li&Fung, while developing and building relationships with new suppliers for Tristan.
Since her return to Montréal in 2011, Lili actively works with the executive management team to develop and execute the strategic plan of the company, and is in charge of the business development, marketing and product management. In 2014, Lili becomes managing director of the company. In 2017, Lili becomes president of TRISTAN.
Learn more about TRISTAN at tristanstyle.com and find Lili Fortin on LinkedIn here.
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