Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have been operating in a constantly changing environment. Pandemics, geopolitical crises, economic fluctuations – all of this has created a new reality in which traditional models no longer work.
Some see these changes as a series of problems. But true entrepreneurs see opportunities in change: a chance to rethink approaches, accelerate processes, and try things they previously lacked the courage to attempt.
Here are some motivational quotes from entrepreneurs who have truly earned their authority:
1. Warren Buffett
One of the greatest investors in history and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
Quote: “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.”
Buffett believed that a crisis is a time when strong companies can acquire the best assets and positions.
2. Andy Grove
Co-founder and legendary CEO of Intel.
Quote: “Bad companies are destroyed by crisis. Good companies survive them. Great companies are improved by them.”
Grove emphasized that crises act as a catalyst for growth for those who can adapt.
3. Peter Drucker
Founder of modern management theory.
Quote: “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.”
Drucker stressed the importance of new tools rather than repeating old patterns.
4. Jack Welch
Former CEO of General Electric, renowned corporate management reformer.
Quote: “When the rate of change outside exceeds the rate of change inside, the end is near.”
In short, companies that change faster than the market survive.
5. Richard Branson
Founder of Virgin Group, entrepreneur, and investor.
Quote: “Business opportunities are like buses; there’s always another one coming.”
Branson insists that in a crisis, companies must act boldly and quickly to stay ahead of competitors.
6. Elon Musk
CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, one of the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs.
Quote: “Crisis is a good time to start companies.”
The revolutionary entrepreneur reminds us that when markets fall, barriers to entry for new businesses are lower.
7. Jeff Bezos
Founder of Amazon and Blue Origin.
Quote: “Only during a crisis do you find out who is really building on a solid foundation.”
Bezos saw crisis as a test of a business model and operational efficiency.
8. Howard Schultz
Former CEO of Starbucks, creator of a global coffee empire.
Quote: “In difficult times, leaders must step forward, not stand by.”
Schultz emphasized that in a crisis, leadership is proactive rather than reactive.
9. Steve Jobs
Co-founder of Apple and Pixar, one of the key innovators of the 20th century.
Quote: “Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.”
Jobs believed that optimism and perseverance are the foundation of business survival in a crisis.
10. Henry Ford
Founder of Ford Motor Company and pioneer of mass production.
Quote: “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
Optimism is key: mistakes during a crisis provide knowledge for the next breakthrough.
11. Bill Gates
Co-founder of Microsoft, investor, and philanthropist.
Quote: “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.”
Gates argued that only a crisis can bring a company back to internal discipline.
12. Mark Cuban
Billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks.
Quote: “Opportunities during a crisis are the greatest — it’s only a question of how fast you act.”
Slow companies lose out during periods of instability.
13. Michael Dell
Founder of Dell Technologies.
Quote: “Every restructuring has a window of opportunity, which closes faster than it seems.”
Companies must respond to crises immediately.
14. John D. Rockefeller
Founder of Standard Oil and one of the wealthiest people in history.
Quote: “I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.”
Seeing the upside in failure is a hallmark of great entrepreneurs.
15. Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Philosopher, trader, and author of Antifragile.
Quote: “A crisis is a normal state of the world, and robustness is a skill to be developed.”
Businesses that can operate effectively during a crisis emerge stronger after every challenge.
During crises, speed in decision-making, innovative thinking, perseverance, and optimism are especially valuable. However, even the strongest strategies lose effectiveness without one key element — the team. People have always been the foundation of any business, and today, as companies navigate a real storm, the role of human resources is decisive.
If you want to build a reliable team that can confidently handle any challenge, you’ve come to the right place.
VAV Synergy is an expert in hiring international specialists in the EU. Book a free consultation: we will conduct a workforce audit of your business and provide ready-made, practical solutions to strengthen your team and adapt to new conditions.
