If someone had told me years ago that I would end up being an entrepreneur, I wouldn’t have believed it. But here I am, leading my own company, sharing my story and proving that with faith and action, dreams come true.
When I look back, I see that my journey was neither linear nor simple. I worked as Executive Director of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in New York, a position that allowed me to live unique experiences and connect with visionary leaders.
However, in an unexpected turn, I was fired. That moment, although devastating, was the turning point that led me to entrepreneurship.
I understood that the greatest crises can be transformed into the greatest gifts if we learn to interpret them.
The Impact of Dismissal and Personal Rebirth
My dismissal was an emotional blow that left me in an “emotional desert.” The uncertainty was immense, and I felt as if everything I had built was crumbling.
That experience forced me to reflect deeply on who I was and what I wanted to achieve in my life. How could I contribute to the world in a meaningful way?
That stage of introspection showed me that, although I had lost a job, I had gained a unique opportunity: to build something of my own.
That was when I decided to start my own business, with the firm conviction that I could create a project that reflected my purpose and my vision of the world.
The beginning was challenging because I lacked a manual to guide me, but I had a deep desire to make a difference.
I founded BBES, my company based in New York, with the aim of helping companies develop internationally. It was a step into the void full of uncertainties, but with one certainty: I was ready to believe in myself.
I understood that fear is part of the process. More than an obstacle, it is a sign of growth. Entrepreneurship, for me, has been a constant act of faith.
Lessons Learned: Discipline, Focus and Resilience
Entrepreneurship has taught me the importance of discipline and focus. When I began, I had too many ideas, and I wanted to execute them all at the same time.
I learned to prioritize, to focus on the essentials, and to trust that each step, however small, would bring me closer to my vision.
Resilience has also been key. There are days when everything seems to flow and others when doubts are inevitable. But every challenge brings with it a lesson, and those moments have given me the strength to keep going.
The Importance of Support and Humanistic Leadership
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned has been to surround myself with people who believe in my vision. During this journey, I have found both support and skepticism. This is normal, but you cannot allow external doubts to define you.
In addition, I have adopted humanistic leadership, which prioritizes empathy, collaboration, and connection. For years I tried to fit into a professional environment that seemed to demand toughness. But when I led from the heart, from my authenticity, everything began to flow.
This leadership style, in addition to being effective, also allows for creating more meaningful relationships.
Freedom as a Driver of Entrepreneurship
One of the greatest gifts of entrepreneurship is freedom. The freedom to organize my time, to be present for my family, and to work on what I am truly passionate about is a privilege that I do not take for granted and motivates me to continue growing.
Being an entrepreneur does not mean having all the answers; it means being willing to learn constantly. It is understanding that mistakes are opportunities and that every day is a new occasion to create.
A Message for Dreamers
If you are considering starting a business, I want to share with you something I have learned: you do not need to have everything figured out at the start.
The first step will always be the most difficult, but also the most transformative. Trust your skills, your intuition, and your ability to adapt.
Surround yourself with people who encourage you, prioritize your goals, and do not be afraid to lead from your authenticity. And, above all, never underestimate the power of faith. Because starting a business, in essence, is believing in something that you do not yet see, but that you know you can build.
Remember that you already have everything within you that you need to succeed. You just need to take that leap.
I invite you to follow me on my social networks (@bisilabokoko).
A big hug,
Bisila Bokoko
