The Biggest Mistake I Made—and the Lesson I’ll Never Forget

The biggest mistake I ever made in my professional journey was during the financial crisis of 2008–2010. I can still remember the uneasy feeling in 2007—my intuition was nudging me, signaling that something wasn’t right in the market. But despite sensing a shift, I didn’t take proactive steps. I wasn’t prepared, nor did I react quickly enough when the downturn hit. As a result, we lost over 50% of our business during that period, which took a significant toll on cmi’s finances. It was a long climb back, and it took us over two years to regain even a small measure of profitability.

This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: intuition is powerful, but so is having the right data and processes in place to act quickly when it matters most.

Lessons Learned and Actions Taken

To prevent such a setback from happening again, we’ve invested heavily in technology. Now, we have data to support what my intuition is telling me, allowing us to make more informed, timely decisions. This blend of instinct and data has become a critical foundation of our business strategy. Additionally, I’ve become much more attuned to my intuition, allowing it to guide us in critical decisions without hesitation.

When Crisis Struck Again: COVID-19 and the Power of Preparation

Fast forward to March 13, 2020. COVID-19 was hitting the world hard, and like many, our industry was flipped upside down. Within two weeks, 100% of our income disappeared. This time, however, I listened to my intuition, and we took swift action. We downsized our staff to a team of two and immediately explored virtual presentations as a viable alternative to our traditional, in-person business model.

Because we moved quickly and embraced change, we not only survived 2020 but also found new opportunities to thrive in a changing world. Since then, we’ve continued to grow and adapt, emerging stronger and more resilient.

The Key Takeaway: Trust Your Intuition and Be Prepared

The 2008 financial crisis taught me the hard way that ignoring your intuition can be costly, but relying solely on it without data and preparation can be equally risky. Today, I approach each challenge with a dual focus on instinct and informed strategy. It’s a combination that helps me guide cmi with confidence, knowing we’re ready to adapt to whatever comes next.

Whether you’re leading a team or building a business, I encourage you to trust your instincts, support them with actionable insights, and be prepared to pivot when the time comes. Resilience is as much about preparation as it is about adaptability—and it’s one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned.