Can we talk about how a delayed flight in Helsinki reframed my view on founder resilience?

I was stranded overnight at Helsinki Airport last week, and instead of stressing, I noticed how seamlessly the staff handled the chaos with calm problem-solving. It struck me that their approach mirrored the mindset we need when our startups hit unexpected turbulence. They didn't panic or overpromise, they just systematically rerouted passengers and provided clear updates, much like how we should communicate with our teams during crises. Watching them turn a negative situation into a managed process showed me that resilience isn't about avoiding failures, but about mastering the response. As founders, we often glorify hustle, but sometimes it's about steady, composed adaptation under pressure. That night, I realized I'd been equating urgency with effectiveness, when in reality, a methodical pivot can save more energy and morale in the long run.

5 comments

5 Comments

the_wren6h ago

Handle chaos? We set clear protocols, communicated openly.

the_miles2h ago

Wait, clear protocols in a startup? Tell that to @lewis.tara lol.

lewis.tara7h ago

Push back on this. Airport staff have protocols for delays, while founders are often creating the playbook in real time.

sandra4866h ago

Comparing airport logistics to startup stress is a bit of a stretch lol.

the_tara5h ago

Actually, the chaos in airports mirrors startup pivots perfectly! @lewis.tara mentioned playbooks, but both scenes require quick decisions when plans fall apart. The pressure feels identical sometimes!