Remember 2021—lockdowns, closed borders, and companies fighting to remain viable.
Leaders have shared the hard-learned lessons that kept them going, and those lessons remain valid today. It’s 2025, and while the pandemic is behind us, the challenges remain—supply chains are still messy, finding good staff is tough, and customers expect everything fast. We’ve revisited the wisdom from 2021, picked out the most valuable lessons, and adapted them for today. This is about thriving, not just surviving.
Put people first
In 2021, Maria Halasz, CEO of Anagenics, managed a business through tough times. “I believed 2020 was challenging, but the second wave hit harder,” she stated. “Friendly relations with staff and suppliers helped us through.” What did she learn? The psychological toll. “I had no idea how much it was affecting staff and me. Leading with heart didn’t only keep us going—it made us stronger.” FoodbyUs co-founder Ben Lipschitz agreed: “Don’t underestimate culture. It keeps your team united when everything else is falling apart.”
Fast forward to 2025. Your employees’ no longer dodging COVID waves, but they’re still dealing with hybrid work woes, inflation, and the daily grind of life. Maria’s empathy lesson remains relevant—check in with your crew. Ben’s culture emphasis stands true too—people are not just searching for a paycheck; they require significance. Coffee chat, provide flexibility, or ask what they need. Your crew is more than just labor; they are your support system. Keep that up, and they’ll keep you going.
Bend, don’t break
Chad Hoy Poy of WLTH said it in 2021 this: “Agility is key.” He saw how quickly companies were having to adapt, and his advice was simple: act fast, become digital, and stay agile. Neredah McIntosh, CEO with Blakes Feast, added: “Stability is a ghost now. To survive, you need to evolve, even when things are desperate. Fast action and resilience are your ticket.” 2021 was about turning on the dime in reaction to constant change.
In 2025, the same lessons apply. Vendors are late, clients vanish, or prices explode. Chad’s call for agility still applies. Maybe you have to cut back on some resources or surf a trend before it peaks. Neredah’s command to rethink, not just react, is vital. That coffee shop that bet on gourmet meal kits in lockdown? They never looked back. Be willing to pivot—flexibility is what keeps you in the game.
Tech’s your wingman
Zoho’s Vijay Sundaram pointed out the rush for tech fixes in 2021: “Too many leaped onto apps as Band-Aid fixes—apps that didn’t endure. Be different—build an integrated system that works.” His words remain current. Podium’s Dave Scheine observed SMS mainstreaming in 2021: “Texting blew up. Humans are huge fans of convenience and velocity.” It remains the same in 2025 when technology is still an disruptor.
Vijay’s streamlining counsel is gold. Why settle for more than a single system when one will handle it all? And Dave’s SMS lesson holds even greater merit today—customers want real-time communication. One business replaced mailing bills with text-to-pay links, and got paid sooner. Technology is not just a device; it’s your support mechanism. Get the right tech, and it’ll take you there.
Choose and conquer
Matej Varhalik, the founder of SpeedFit, learned the hard way in 2021: “I held on to people who were not good enough for the team. Once I let them go, everything was perfect.” Tamara Oppen of GoDaddy Australia saw the opposite: “In 2021, 24% of Aussies launched businesses with no money—just passion. They didn’t wait for perfection; they leaped.” Two brave approaches—let go of what’s holding you back or leap into action.
In 2025, that decisiveness is your strength. If something or someone isn’t cutting it, act fast. Let go of what isn’t helping you to evolve. Tamara’s advice to start with passion is crucial—don’t wait until it’s perfect. Take the risk, even if it’s not. One friend replaced a supplier, doubling output. Another turned a weekend hobby into a successful online venture. Fearless action beats procrastination.
2021 taught us valuable lessons—what worked back then still applies today. Maria and Ben remind us to prioritize our people. Chad and Neredah stress agility—bend with the changes. Vijay and Dave emphasize the power of technology. Matej and Tamara push for bold decisions—cut the fat, chase the spark. In 2025, we’re still facing challenges, but we’ve learned how to rise above them. Utilize these lessons as wood for the fire to build something that will last. The map is yours—now drive the route.
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Remember 2021? Those lessons still matter. Discover how leaders adapted, and how their strategies—people-focused, agile, tech-driven—are your 2025 advantage News, Business, Strategy Dynamic Business
