Insights on Trusting Instincts and Building Resilient Businesses Amid Crises

Over the years, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is the power of trusting your instincts. In business, we often talk about strategy, data, and planning, and of course, those things matter, but instinct plays an equally vital role in leadership and decision-making.

When I founded my business, I didn’t have a perfect roadmap, and the world was in the midst of the 2008 global recession. However, what I did have was a strong sense of purpose and an ability to listen carefully to people, to opportunities, and to that internal voice that tells you when something feelsright. That instinct has guided many of my decisions, particularly during moments of uncertainty.

Crises have a way of testing every aspect of a business. Economic downturns, shifting markets, and the global pandemic challenged organisations everywhere. For me, these periods reinforced the importance of adaptability, resilience, and calm leadership. Rather than reacting with fear, I focused on clarity and solutions, asking what our clients needed most and how we could continue to deliver meaningful value. During the pandemic, I was working with the Indian and Bangladeshi curry houses across the UK, as the hospitality industry was hit the hardest. We used this time and instincts to pivot and focus on public affairs, lobbying thegovernment on what support the sector needed.

Trusting my instincts didn’t mean ignoring strategy; it meant combining intuition with experience. Years of working with organisations, understanding communication, and navigating complex situations have helped shape my judgement. Sometimes the best decisions came from listening carefully, reading the moment, and having the courage to act decisively. I have found that trusting your instincts makes you braver and bolder.

Building a resilient business is not about avoiding challenges; it’s about learning how to move through them with confidence and integrity. For me, instinctual leadership has been a guiding force, helping transform uncertainty into opportunity and ensuring that even in difficult times, the business continues to grow and thrive.