Entrepreneurs today face a rapidly changing landscape filled with both opportunities and challenges. As inflation rises, economies shift, and ecosystems evolve, the pressure to succeed can feel overwhelming. Yet amid this uncertainty, boldness and innovation remain critical to building something lasting.
One place that encourages these values is the Elevate Festival, where entrepreneurs and innovators come together to inspire one another.
Lisa Zarzeczny, cofounder and CEO of Elevate, is a testament to the power of bold ideas and the drive to turn vision into reality. Her story offers inspiration for anyone with a dream, especially entrepreneurs navigating today’s challenging landscape.
Dream Big, Start Small: Lessons from the Early Days
Lisa’s early days with Elevate were far from glamorous. With only four employees in the first year, the organization started small. But from the outset, the vision was anything but. “We shot for the stars from the very beginning,” Lisa recalls.
Her experience teaches an important lesson for anyone starting out: you don’t need everything figured out from day one. Instead, focus on the long-term vision, and take bold steps toward it, even when the resources are limited. It’s about knowing where you want to go and having the courage to move forward, even when the path isn’t fully clear.
Bold Ambitions in the Face of Uncertainty
The key to turning big ideas into reality lies in ambition. “Fortune really does favor the bold,” Lisa says. Amid uncertainty, whether it’s economic instability or the challenges unique to 2024, having the ambition to pursue large, transformative goals is crucial.
While the challenges of today’s entrepreneurial landscape are real, Lisa encourages founders to trust their gut and stick to their vision. “It’s difficult to be a founder right now with inflation, the economy, and a shifting ecosystem,” she acknowledges. But the path to success is rarely straightforward. “You have to be patient with the process, and above all, stay bold in your vision.”
The Power of Women in Leadership
Lisa is passionate about empowering women to take on leadership roles, especially in industries where they have historically been underrepresented. “A country and world that continues to thrive is one where women are in leadership positions,” she explains. For Lisa, this isn’t just about gender equality. It’s about ensuring that the best ideas are at the table, and those often come from diverse leadership.
Her message to women entrepreneurs is clear. Lead with confidence, take risks, and pursue your boldest ideas. The journey may come with challenges, but by stepping into leadership, women are reshaping the future of innovation.
Taking the Leap: You’ll Never Regret It
Lisa’s advice to anyone with a bold idea is simple. Take the leap. “You’ll never regret trying it,” she says. While it’s easy to get stuck in fear or overthink the risks, not trying is the real regret. Whether the idea works or not, the act of pursuing it can open doors and change lives in ways you never expected.
Her experience serves as a reminder that the scariest ideas are often the ones worth pursuing. It’s through embracing fear, taking risks, and learning from both successes and failures that real progress happens.
Dream Big, Stay Bold
Lisa’s story is not just about building a successful platform for innovation; it’s about the power of dreaming big and staying bold, even when the odds are uncertain. Her boldness allowed her to attract huge impact to the stage at Elevate, securing guests like Michelle Obama. The presence of such influential figures reflects the power of vision in making a global impact.
Elevate Festival: A Place of Inspiration
Ultimately, the Elevate Festival is a place where entrepreneurs can come together to be inspired. It’s designed to provide founders with the confidence and knowledge they need to build amazing companies. “We want Elevate to be a place where people can come, be inspired, and leave with the tools they need to turn their bold ideas into successful businesses,” Lisa explains.
Through the festival’s talks, panels, and community-building opportunities, Elevate continues to inspire entrepreneurs to think bigger, act bolder, and make their visions a reality. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling a business, Elevate is about igniting that boldness and pushing entrepreneurs to take their next big leap.