Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as the pursuit of groundbreaking ideas and the relentless hustle to turn them into reality. But anyone who has built a business or supported others in doing so knows that success is rarely a straight line. Challenges, setbacks, and shifts in circumstances are constants. The ability to thrive in this unpredictable environment comes down to two traits: resilience and adaptability. They are not just complementary but indispensable, forming the bedrock of long-term success.
When we launched Gasify, the initial goal was straightforward: to improve access and efficiency in Nigeria’s gas retail market. However, as with any new venture, the reality quickly revealed complexities that no amount of planning could have entirely foreseen. Infrastructure limitations, unexpected regulatory hurdles, and supply chain disruptions tested our resolve at every step. Resilience was what kept the team focused when progress felt slow, and adaptability was what enabled us to rethink approaches without losing sight of the core mission. The combination of these two qualities turned potential roadblocks into opportunities to refine our strategy, rather than derail it.
The importance of adaptability becomes even clearer when you look at the ever-changing market dynamics that entrepreneurs face. No matter how promising a business model seems at the outset, markets evolve. Customer needs shift, competitors emerge, and technological advancements can reshape entire industries overnight. For Gasify, this meant continuously iterating on our platform to not only address existing inefficiencies but to stay ahead of what the market would require next. What began as a solution for improving distribution efficiency has grown into a platform that considers sustainability and long-term impact as central pillars. That evolution wasn’t by chance; it was a deliberate response to a changing environment.
Resilience, on the other hand, comes into play when adaptability alone is not enough. It’s the ability to maintain focus and push forward even when progress feels elusive or setbacks seem overwhelming. During my work with The Hive Incubator, I’ve witnessed entrepreneurs who faced immense challenges—sometimes losing funding, failing to achieve product-market fit, or dealing with unforeseen crises—and still managed to rebuild. The ones who succeed are not necessarily those with the best initial ideas but those who persist through adversity, learning and recalibrating as they go. They understand that setbacks are part of the process and use them as a catalyst for growth.
There’s a tendency in entrepreneurship to focus on outcomes: the successful product launch, the funding round closed, or the revenue milestone achieved. But what often gets overlooked are the invisible moments that define those outcomes. The moments when an entrepreneur has to make a tough decision with incomplete information, or when they have to rally a team after a disappointing setback. These are not glamorous moments, but they are where resilience is built. They require a mindset that sees challenges not as threats but as an inevitable part of the journey.
Adaptability, however, requires more than just a willingness to change course. It’s about being proactive, seeking out signals of change before they become unavoidable, and responding with intentionality. At The Hive, we encourage startups to embed adaptability into their culture from the outset. This means not becoming overly attached to an initial plan but treating it as a hypothesis to be tested and iterated upon. It also means listening—really listening—to customers, employees, and partners. The most adaptable entrepreneurs are those who see feedback not as criticism but as insight, using it to inform their next steps.
It’s also worth noting that resilience and adaptability are not just individual traits; they are organizational imperatives. Businesses, particularly those in their early stages, take on the characteristics of their founders. A leader who demonstrates resilience sets the tone for a team that doesn’t crumble under pressure. Similarly, a leader who prioritizes adaptability creates a culture where innovation thrives and complacency has no place. At Gasify, this approach has been central to how we’ve built a team that is not only skilled but also aligned in mindset. Everyone understands that challenges are opportunities to learn and improve, not reasons to abandon course.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with entrepreneurs at The Hive has been seeing how these traits can be cultivated over time. Resilience is not about being unshakeable; it’s about learning how to recover and refocus. Adaptability is not about constant pivoting; it’s about knowing when to stay the course and when to change direction. These are skills, not innate qualities, and they can be strengthened through experience, mentorship, and reflection. Many of the entrepreneurs we’ve supported have gone on to build businesses that are not only profitable but also impactful because they’ve embraced these principles.
The interplay between resilience and adaptability also has broader implications for how businesses contribute to society. Entrepreneurs who are resilient and adaptable are more likely to address meaningful problems, even when the solutions are not immediately obvious or easy. This is particularly relevant in sectors like energy, agriculture, and financial inclusion, where the challenges are complex and the stakes are high. Gasify’s journey is a testament to this. By staying committed to solving real problems while remaining flexible in how we approach them, we’ve been able to create value for both customers and the broader community.
As I reflect on these experiences, one thing is clear: the path of an entrepreneur is never linear. It’s a winding road filled with challenges that test both your resolve and your ability to think differently. But it’s also a path filled with opportunities to grow, innovate, and make a difference. Resilience and adaptability are not just the keys to surviving this journey; they are what make it worthwhile. For anyone embarking on this path, the advice is simple: expect the unexpected, embrace the challenges, and never lose sight of the bigger picture. Success is not about avoiding difficulties—it’s about thriving because of them.
Content Credit: Folajomi Adegbulugbe
Folajomi Adegbulugbe is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with a proven track record of building and scaling ventures across various industries. He co-founded Pristin Capital and launched successful startups like Jo’s Indulge, furnisheet and Gasify. Currently leading The Hive Incubator in Akure, he supports startups by providing mentorship and resources.
With dual Master’s degrees in International Business and Finance and currently pursuing an MBA at Imperial College London, Folajomi brings strategic insight and innovative thinking to business, investment, and mentorship. Passionate about teaching and collaboration, he is dedicated to helping others unlock their potential and drive meaningful impact.
