Adversity Opens the Door to Opportunity

At a recent workshop on Emotional Intelligence for Extraordinary Leadership, I worked with a group of managers and leaders to open their minds in the spirit of learning. At a critical moment, I reminded them of defining moments—moments of adversity.

For me, it was facing four months of unemployment with three, young children and a meager savings account. Had it not been for those four months, I would not have started my company, Leadership Quest.

Adversity opens the door for new opportunities if we are open-minded. 

Following September 11, 2011, Rudy Giuliani reminded me that New York was open for business. Shortly after Giuliani’s words, Julie and I made our first trip to New York City. Adversity can cause you to retreat. Adversity can also force you to open your heart to new opportunities.

Can you name an adversity you have been facing? 

Take a moment and look to see if there are any open doors waiting for you. New opportunity always awaits—you just have to look for it. Adversity can be a blessing—a blessing of new beginnings and new discoveries. I wonder what opportunity is waiting for you…

I will never forget how I felt when I was registering my company name. My purpose was to take leaders on a quest to discover their purpose and potential. Two decades later, I have:

  • An amazing client list— My clients are the best!
  • Leadership coaching clients who are world-class leaders.
  • Seized new opportunities so I can inspire greatness in others.

Five things I have learned since starting my business are:
1. Adversity continues to keep me where I need to be, humble
2. Adversity has been my mentor and coach
3. Adversity has opened me to the best opportunities
4. Adversity helps me write the meaningful story of my success
5. Adversity prepared me for tomorrow

I encourage you to be open to new opportunities!
– Steve

As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.

To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)

“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”

About the Author

Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.

A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.