The Power of Resilience

Bouncing Back Stronger as a Leader

On a Tuesday morning, our lives were irrevocably altered.

I’ll never forget the moment I stood alone in the hallway at Rashid Hospital, grappling with the news that my son, Yousef, had cancer. The words “Ewing’s sarcoma” and “cancer of the bone” felt like a heavy blow, each syllable pressing down on me.

The doctors, who had been discussing our options, spoke in hushed tones, but their words pierced through the fog of my shock. They recommended seeking treatment outside of Dubai—possibly Sweden. The suggestion felt like a punch to the gut. I was a Swedish expat, but Dubai had been my home for over 25 years.

How could I leave everything behind, including the community that had become our family?

In those initial moments, I was overwhelmed. The thought of Yousef, blissfully unaware of the gravity of his situation, compounded my sense of helplessness. I was drowning in a sea of unanswered questions—Would the cancer spread? What was the prognosis? How would I break this news to my child?

Turning Fear Into Action

As the doctor's voice faded into a distant hum, I was struck by an unexpected realization: I needed to be strong for Yousef. My fear consumed me, but it was time to focus on what I could control. It wasn’t about having all the answers but being present for him.

This moment marked a crucial turning point. I realized resilience wasn’t about erasing fear but choosing to move forward despite it. I made a commitment to myself and to Yousef:

I would be his pillar of strength, facing each challenge with courage, no matter how daunting it felt.

Letting Go of Control

I’ve always prided myself on being in control—managing outcomes, creating plans, and solving problems. But in that hospital corridor, I had to confront the reality that control was an illusion. I couldn’t fix this on my own.

Letting go of that control was agonizing. It felt like surrendering, like giving up on protecting my son. Yet, in that surrender, I discovered a new form of strength. Resilience is not about controlling every aspect of life but adapting to the unexpected and finding peace amidst chaos.

Building Resilience, Step by Step

Resilience isn’t born from a single act of bravery. It’s built through small, consistent choices made every day. Each morning, I had to face the day, be strong for Yousef, and continue seeking the best possible care for him.

Every decision, every step forward, was an act of resilience. It was about choosing to smile through fear, to stay informed, and to remain hopeful.

I learned that resilience isn’t about never feeling fear but about acting in the face of it. It’s about showing up, even when you’re unsure what the next step will be.

The Leadership Lessons of Resilience

This journey with Yousef has profoundly reshaped my understanding of leadership. I learned that leadership isn’t about being invincible or having all the answers.

It’s about being human—showing empathy, embracing vulnerability, and guiding others through uncertainty.

In leadership, resilience means being a steady presence, even when you’re navigating through the unknown. It means supporting your team or your family with strength and compassion and showing them that facing challenges head-on is okay.

Resilience is the foundation of effective leadership, enabling you to guide others through professional and personal storms.

How This Can Help You

The lessons I’ve learned from facing Yousef’s illness apply to anyone facing their challenges. Here’s how you can use these insights to build your resilience:

• Embrace Vulnerability: Recognize and accept your fears and uncertainties. By acknowledging them, you can transform them into sources of strength.
• Adapt to Uncertainty: Let go of the need to control every outcome. Focus on adapting and finding solutions as challenges arise.
• Make Resilient Choices: Each small, deliberate action can build your resilience. Face each day with intention and purpose, and maintain hope through adversity.

I would like you to explore my story further if you seek guidance on building resilience or navigating challenges.

Read my book, Hoping and Coping, to discover how Yousef and I navigated this journey together, finding strength and hope in adversity.

Click here to learn more and get your copy of Hoping and Coping. How My Little Darling and I Broke Free Of Cancer

Let’s embrace resilience together as leaders and individuals and find strength in every step of our journey.

Warmly, Helene