Building #Resilience: A Long-Distance Race

Running a marathon is not just about covering 42 kilometers. It involves the dedication and effort put into training sessions, the discipline required to maintain proper nutrition and hydration, the sacrifices made, the time taken away from family, the early mornings, and the integration of various activities such as cycling and swimming. Similarly, building resilience in enterprises is a multifaceted effort that goes beyond achieving a single milestone.

Resilience: A Continuous Journey

Staying resilient takes work. It's not just about hitting that first milestone or reaching a certain level of resilience. Organizations need to keep training, stick to good habits, and be ready to handle new challenges. Just like runners need to keep up with their workouts and live a healthy lifestyle, organizations need to be prepared to adapt and grow when things change.

Building a Resilience Plan

Developing resilience needs a well-thought-out plan. Companies should take a smart approach, like runners who make training schedules and set goals. Having a coach or advisor can be super helpful in avoiding mistakes and staying on track. In the business world, this might mean getting advice from experienced professionals or starting mentorship programs.

Resilience: A Team Effort

Building resilience isn't something you do alone. It's like running a marathon – you need support from your family and friends. Different departments and teams have to work together, each bringing their own strengths and expertise. By working collaboratively, resilience becomes a part of the whole organization and not just one area.

The Challenge of Resilience

Running a marathon and building resilience is like making big decisions that challenge people and organizations to push themselves. It's not about winning, which only a few can do. The real achievement is in finishing the race, doing something most people can't. It's about pushing yourself to break through barriers and reach new goals.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Remember this: Unexpected stuff like injuries or accidents can really mess up resilience-building. But resilience itself has to be tough too. Companies need to be ready to roll with the punches and bounce back, just like runners who change up their training when things go wrong. If they stay flexible and learn from the tough times, they can come out even stronger and more resilient than before.

I wrote this article with the belief that the work being carried out by?UNDRR ARISE, with the support of?UNDRR Las Américas y El Caribe?and the Private Sector of the region, serves as an inspiration for the journey towards resilience. Having completed the New Marathon in 2023, I am convinced that our greatest accomplishments are a result of dedicated work, sustained motivation, effective management of setbacks, and confidence in the team and the coach. It is also essential to acknowledge and share the success with all the individuals who have contributed to it.

Also, I am convinced that efforts to protect businesses against disasters are an important contribution to sustainability. It protects the social contribution of enterprises in the production of goods and services, provides employment, and promotes innovation and the development of society.

Carolina Moreno Pe?a Nahuel Arenas García Mayleen Cabral Adriana Solano Luque Erick GONZALES ROCHA