Tyler Young Of Tonic On How To Successfully Ride The Emotional Highs & Lows Of Being An Entrepreneur

An Interview With Jake Frankel

Purpose and Motivation: Knowing your ‘why’ is vital. My purpose was shaped by my early experiences, particularly my brother’s battle with leukemia. It instilled in me a desire to protect, provide, and inspire. This purpose has been my north star, guiding my decisions and giving me the resilience to push through challenges. It’s the reason I wake up every morning ready to tackle whatever comes my way.

Being a founder, entrepreneur, or a business owner can have many exciting and thrilling moments. But it is also punctuated with periods of doubt, slump, and anxiety. So how does one successfully and healthily ride the highs and lows of Entrepreneurship? In this series, called “How To Successfully Ride The Emotional Highs & Lows Of Being An Entrepreneur” we are talking to successful entrepreneurs who can share stories from their experiences. I had the pleasure of interviewing Tyler Young.

Tyler Young is the visionary behind VersiTech and Tonic POS, where he leverages his deep experience with payment processing to deliver cutting-edge point-of-sale technology to the hospitality space through a local partner network.

For years, business owners and operators in the hospitality space have been between a rock and a hard place, made to deal with either impersonal, take-it-or-leave-it solutions or do-it-yourself software solutions. Young works to ensure restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues no longer have to make that choice.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?

Thank you for having me. Well, my journey into entrepreneurship is deeply personal and began much earlier than my professional career. It started in an unlikely place — the hospital. I was born into a family grappling with a significant challenge. My older brother, Ryan, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, a devastating diagnosis in the 1980s. I spent much of my early years in hospitals, not as a patient, but as part of Ryan’s journey. This experience, witnessing his struggle and resilience, deeply impacted me.

From a young age, I learned the value of care, support, and the power of uplifting others. These experiences forged my ‘why’ — the desire to make a meaningful impact, to be there for others, and to provide support in times of need. This ethos has been the guiding principle throughout my life.

When it came time to choose a career path, I initially dreamed of becoming a firefighter, inspired by my father. However, fate had other plans. I stumbled upon the field of merchant services, which resonated with my aspiration for financial freedom — not just for myself, but to be able to support my loved ones in times of need, just as I had seen my father do.

This career path allowed me to leverage my skills to build wealth and achieve my goal of being a caregiver. Now, as the leader of a fintech company processing over $6 billion, with 90 employees and their families relying on our organization, I feel I’ve realized my vision. But the journey doesn’t end here. Now, it’s about expanding that impact, continuing to uplift others, and building on the foundation that began in those hospital corridors.

My backstory is a testament to the idea that our earliest experiences can profoundly shape our life’s path. For me, it instilled a drive to care, to support, and to lead with a purpose that goes beyond just business success.

What was the “Aha Moment” that led to the idea for your current company? Can you share that story with us?

The ‘Aha Moment’ for Tonic came from a profound realization about the nature of my initial business in payment processing. I recognized it was largely a commodity-based business where, despite my best efforts in customer service, the lowest price often won the day. This realization was pivotal. It made me question how I could transform my business model from being seen as a mere commodity to being perceived as a valuable, indispensable partner to our clients.

This led to a deep reflection on the essence of value and relationships in business. I noticed something intriguing about point-of-sale (POS) providers. They had a unique relationship with their clients, one that transcended mere transactions. These business owners viewed their POS providers as partners, valuing the service and relationship far beyond any cost-savings a payment processor could offer. This was a stark contrast to the fleeting loyalty in the payment processing sector.

My pivotal moment came when I lost a significant client, a feed store, to their bank. They had been with me for eight years, and despite our strong relationship, they chose their bank for its broader relationship and integrated services. This was a turning point. It drove home the need for a business model that fostered deeper, more meaningful partnerships.

Pursuing this path led me to acquire VersiTouch in 2017. It marked the beginning of our journey into offering a comprehensive solution that goes beyond payment processing. We now focus on creating mutually beneficial relationships with our partners and end-users, grounded in the quality and value of our service. Our goal is to be seen as true partners, integral to our clients’ success, offering a level of service and engagement that fosters long-term, loyal relationships.

This ‘Aha Moment’ wasn’t just about business strategy; it was about aligning my company’s operations with my core values of service, partnership, and mutual growth. It was about creating a business where relationships are as valuable as the services provided.

In your opinion, were you a natural born entrepreneur or did you develop that aptitude later on? Can you explain what you mean?

The concept of a natural-born entrepreneur is intriguing, but I believe it’s more nuanced than that. My perspective is that while one’s childhood can shape them for an entrepreneurial path, it’s the experiences along the way that truly mold those skills. For me, my journey did seem to point towards entrepreneurship from a young age.

If being a born entrepreneur means standing out from the crowd early in your career, seeking constant improvement, and seeing opportunities for change, then yes, I would align with that notion. My early work experiences were telling — I was terminated from two jobs in my late teens because I didn’t quite fit their mold. I constantly questioned processes and sought improvements, which, in traditional employment settings, wasn’t always welcomed.

But, I think being an entrepreneur is about more than just challenging the status quo. It’s about possessing the grit and determination to tackle the unknowns. Even as a child, I engaged in activities like Run for the Arts, not just participating but striving to excel and lead. That’s the essence of entrepreneurship — a relentless drive to push boundaries and a willingness to step into the uncomfortable.

Entrepreneurship has evolved for me over the years. I’ve realized it’s not just about financial independence or starting something; it’s about the scale of your vision and the risks you’re willing to take. There are levels to this journey — from running a solo venture to helming a fintech company or managing a large team. Each level demands a different set of skills and a different kind of courage.

I do believe I was always destined to be an entrepreneur. My journey has been about embracing challenges, whether in small ventures or large-scale operations. It’s about that fundamental urge to improve upon existing systems and processes. And often, when your vision doesn’t align with an employer’s, the only way to realize it is to venture out on your own. That’s what entrepreneurship has been for me — a journey of constant improvement and daring to venture into the unknown.

Was there somebody in your life who inspired or helped you to start your journey with your business? Can you share a story with us?

One of the most defining experiences of my entrepreneurial journey began in the quiet, unassuming setting of our family nursery. My father, a fireman with an entrepreneurial spirit, presented my brothers and me with a unique opportunity when I was in middle school. He had planted 500 maple trees and proposed a deal: if we took care of these trees — planting, trimming, digging — he would split the profits with us. It was our first foray into understanding business and the value of hard work.

For five years, we immersed ourselves in the care of these trees. It was more than just a chore; it became a passion project. We watched these trees grow, as did our understanding of business fundamentals. When it came time to sell, the trees brought in a substantial sum, and my father split the profit, as promised. We each earned about $3,300 — a significant amount for a middle schooler.

But the real lesson came with what followed. My father offered us a choice: take the money or reinvest in our own 500 trees, using his expanded 11-acre nursery. Driven by our newfound passion and the lure of a bigger payoff, we reinvested.

The years that followed taught us the harsh realities of entrepreneurship. We meticulously cared for our trees, but in 2008, the market crashed. Our trees, once a symbol of potential wealth, became virtually worthless. We faced tough decisions: sell at a loss or hold on and hope for a turnaround. Eventually, we had to dig out most of the trees and burn them, as maintaining them became unfeasible.

That experience was a crucible of learning. It taught us that entrepreneurship is not just about the potential for success but also the resilience to face failure. We learned the importance of timing, market forces, and the hard truth that not every investment yields returns. Most importantly, we learned the value of enjoying the journey, irrespective of the outcome. Every moment spent nurturing those trees was a lesson in patience, commitment, and the reality of business.

That experience with the trees, under my father’s guidance, was more than just a lesson in entrepreneurship; it was a foundational chapter in my life. It instilled in me the understanding that business is a blend of highs and lows, and that true success lies in the ability to navigate both with equal resolve and passion.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

What truly sets VersiTech apart is a combination of our culture, our vision, and the incredible individuals who embody both. At the core of our success is an unwavering focus on supporting not just our customers but also our partners — the entrepreneurs who work with us.

The culture at VersiTech is something we cultivate with great care. It’s about creating a support system where everyone feels valued and supported, not just in their professional roles but also in their personal challenges. This commitment has fostered a team that genuinely loves their work and is passionate about what they do. It’s rare to find a company where every interaction reflects this level of enthusiasm and commitment.

Let me share an instance that exemplifies our ethos. One of our partners, who single-handedly managed over 60 restaurants, faced a daunting challenge due to a necessary invasive back surgery. His situation was critical, not just health-wise but also for the future of his business. Our response was instinctive and unanimous — we decided to handle all his client service calls at no additional cost while he recovered. This move wasn’t about profit; it was about being there for someone who had been an integral part of our journey. It was heartening to see our entire team rally without hesitation, taking on extra work simply because it was the right thing to do.

Our vision complements this culture. We’re not just another company in the space chasing direct consumer relationships; our focus is on empowering other entrepreneurs. We offer products and services that they can build their businesses upon. This approach is evident in our partner-focused strategy and our commitment to providing exceptional support to our VARs. It’s about nurturing a symbiotic relationship where their growth contributes to our success and vice versa.

An example of our commitment to this vision is our practice of offering contractual protections that are quite rare in our industry. These protections ensure that the entrepreneurs we partner with feel secure and valued when working with us. It’s about building trust and fostering long-term relationships.

At the end of the day, VersiTech stands out because of our people, our partner-centric approach, and our vision of empowering entrepreneurs. It’s a unique amalgamation that not only drives our success but also defines who we are as a company.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Reflecting on my journey, I’d say the three most instrumental traits to my success have been determination, genuine care, and optimism.

1. Determination: From the very start, determination was the fuel that drove me. In the early days, it was just me handling everything — from acquiring customers to onboarding them, while simultaneously managing existing clients. I vividly recall working with my first 300 customers, each interaction imprinted with a sheer determination to make things work. This trait wasn’t just about achieving success; it was about the relentless pursuit of it, the unwavering belief that no hurdle was too high, no challenge insurmountable.

2. Genuine Care: My approach has always been rooted in a genuine care for others, be it customers or team members. This authenticity in my interactions has drawn people into both my professional and personal life. They’ve chosen to support me, from small business owners choosing our services over larger banks to employees trusting a young entrepreneur with their careers. This trait has been pivotal in building and sustaining relationships that have been key to my success.

3. Optimism: A defining characteristic of my leadership has been optimism — the unwavering belief in the possibility of positive outcomes, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This optimism has been contagious, inspiring my team to see beyond immediate challenges. An example of this was during a critical phase in our business where we faced a significant challenge. Despite the odds, I maintained a positive outlook, instilling confidence in my team that we would find a viable solution. This attitude not only helped us overcome the hurdle but also reinforced the belief that together, we can turn any situation around.

These three traits — determination, genuine care, and optimism — have been the pillars of my success. They have guided my decisions, shaped my interactions, and helped me navigate the complex waters of entrepreneurship with a steady hand and a hopeful heart.

Often leaders are asked to share the best advice they received. But let’s reverse the question. Can you share a story about advice you’ve received that you now wish you never followed?

Interestingly, the advice that I now reflect upon with some regret came from a source of great inspiration — but it’s a classic case of how interpretation matters. This advice centered on the challenges of working with people. I was told that managing others is difficult — they won’t do things as well as you can, they might bring their personal issues into the workplace, and more often than not, they won’t share your vision or work ethic.

This perspective, ironically, came from my father, an entrepreneur himself. He mostly worked solo or with a small team where everyone owned their role, without much need for broader teamwork or large-scale collaboration. So, in the early stages of my business, I adopted a similar approach. I believed that involving more people meant inviting more problems and challenges. Consequently, I tried to do as much as possible on my own, expanding only when absolutely necessary.

For years, this mindset limited my company’s growth potential. I was essentially overworking myself, responding to needs instead of proactively expanding. It wasn’t until around 2019 that I experienced a significant shift in mindset. I realized the power of growing through others, empowering them to take on leadership roles and drive the company forward, rather than just supporting my efforts.

This realization was transformative. While managing a team indeed brings its own challenges, the collective strength, creativity, and drive far outweigh the difficulties. If I had embraced this earlier, perhaps the growth trajectory of my business would have been steeper. The key lesson I learned is that empowering others doesn’t just fill support roles; it catalyzes growth and innovation.

In hindsight, the advice was not entirely misguided — managing people is indeed challenging. However, the growth, both personal and for the business, that comes from embracing these challenges is invaluable. I wish I had been encouraged to develop my business through my people from the outset, fostering a culture of shared vision and collective growth.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them create a work culture in which employees thrive and do not “burn out” or get overwhelmed?

For me, the key is to establish a genuine, supportive environment, underscored by open communication and actionable core values. It’s essential to create a space where team members feel comfortable expressing their challenges, knowing they will be met with understanding and support, not just in terms of work-related issues but also in their personal lives. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and mutual trust, where employees don’t see themselves as isolated units but as integral parts of a supportive community.

Leadership plays a crucial role in this. By demonstrating care and leading by example, leaders set the tone for the entire organization. Actions, rather than mere words, need to reflect the company’s core values. Whether it’s offering flexible work arrangements, providing access to mental health resources, or simply being available to listen, these actions speak volumes about the company’s commitment to its employees’ well-being.

Moreover, a culture that promotes work-life harmony is vital. Recognizing that employees have lives and responsibilities outside of work and respecting this balance can significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout. The goal is to create an environment where employees feel that the company is not just a workplace but a supportive partner in their overall life journey. In doing so, businesses can foster a truly thriving workforce, one that is engaged, productive, and, most importantly, happy.

What are the most common mistakes you have seen CEOs & founders make when they start a business? What can be done to avoid those errors?

In my journey through the entrepreneurial landscape, I’ve encountered a common thread among many business leaders. It’s this passionate pursuit of a dream, which is commendable, but often it’s embarked upon without a full understanding of what it truly takes to succeed. This observation comes from my hands-on experience with countless businesses.

The essence of entrepreneurship is often about making that leap — taking action where others hesitate. That’s something I resonate with deeply. But here’s the thing — having a great idea or passion isn’t enough. Where I see many stumble is in the articulation and sharing of their vision. It’s not just about having a goal; it’s about making that goal palpable and clear to everyone involved — your team, your investors, yourself. It’s about painting that picture of success, not just once but continuously, so that every person in your organization can see and work towards it.

From my perspective, many businesses kick off with a solid opportunity or a unique piece of knowledge. But the magic really happens when this vision is shared across the organization in a way that not only informs but also inspires. If your team understands the ‘why’ behind what they’re doing, they’re not just following instructions — they’re contributing to a larger purpose. They can offer insights that you might not see from the helm.

The solution? Start with a crystal-clear documentation of your objectives. It’s about defining what success looks like in tangible terms. And it’s not just a lofty long-term goal, but also what you plan to achieve in the first 90 days, the first year. It’s about setting clear accountabilities. Who is responsible for what? This clarity is crucial.

Another point I’d like to highlight is the art of delegation. Many founders, myself included, have grappled with this. There’s a natural tendency to hold things close, especially when you’ve poured your heart and soul into your business. But real growth, the kind that’s sustainable and expansive, comes from trusting your team. Hire not just for skills, but for trustworthiness and the ability to take ownership. When you bring someone into your fold, give them the room to fly. It’s not just about risk; it’s about trust and empowerment.

In essence, the key to avoiding these pitfalls lies in clear, ongoing communication of your vision, empowering your team through trust, and effectively delegating. It’s about creating an environment where everyone is aligned and moving towards a shared goal.

Ok fantastic. Thank you for those excellent insights. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview about How to Successfully Ride The Emotional Highs & Lows Of Being An Entrepreneur. The journey of an entrepreneur is never easy, and is filled with challenges, failures, setbacks, as well as joys, thrills and celebrations. This might be intuitive, but I think it will be very useful to specifically articulate it. Can you describe to our readers why no matter how successful you are as an entrepreneur, you will always have fairly dramatic highs and lows? Particularly, can you help explain why this is different from someone with a “regular job”?

Absolutely, it’s a fascinating aspect of entrepreneurship. You see, in a regular job, there’s a structure — a beginning and an end to your day, and a clear-cut set of responsibilities. But as an entrepreneur, that structure is more fluid, and the emotional investment is significantly deeper. When you’re running a business, it becomes a part of your identity, not just a job. You live and breathe it, and every success or failure feels intensely personal.

For example, when we achieve a milestone, like breaking into a new market or receiving positive feedback from customers, the exhilaration is unlike anything else. It’s not just a job well done; it’s a validation of your vision, your strategy, your team’s efforts, and your personal sacrifices. These moments are incredibly fulfilling and push you to strive for more.

However, the flip side is that the lows can be equally intense. When you face setbacks, be it a product not meeting the market expectations or unforeseen operational challenges, it’s not just a professional hiccup — it feels like a personal blow. Unlike a regular job where you might have a bad day at work, as an entrepreneur, these challenges can weigh heavily on your mind, sometimes blurring the lines between your professional and personal life.

This constant ebb and flow of emotions is unique to entrepreneurship. It’s a journey where you’re continuously learning, adapting, and facing challenges head-on. Every decision, every risk, and every achievement is more than a business outcome; it’s a chapter in your personal story.

To navigate this, emotional resilience becomes key. It’s about finding ways to process and manage these intense feelings. For me, techniques like Tapas Acupressure Treatment have been a lifeline. They help me decompress, process the day’s challenges, and maintain a clear head. But it’s more than just managing stress — it’s about deeply understanding and making peace with these emotions. It’s about finding a balance where your work is a passionate part of your life, but not the entirety of it.

Ultimately, while the entrepreneurial journey is filled with highs and lows, it’s this very journey that makes it so rewarding. Unlike a regular job, the connection to your work is profound, making the victories sweeter and the challenges more personal. It’s a path of constant growth, learning, and emotional evolution, and that’s what makes it so uniquely fulfilling.

Do you feel comfortable sharing a story from your own experience about how you felt unusually high and excited as a result of your business? We would love to hear it.

Certainly. There have been a few moments in my entrepreneurial journey that have left me feeling on top of the world, but a couple of experiences truly stand out.

One such moment happened during a solo business trip to Nashville, Tennessee. I was there for work, but one evening, while sitting in a bar, I decided to review my financials. It was then I realized I had reached a milestone I never thought possible — grossing $400,000 a month. This figure was beyond any goal I had previously set. In the past, hitting goals of $20,000, then $80,000 a month felt surreal, but this was something else. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about what it represented — the culmination of relentless pursuit and hard work. I remember texting a friend, overwhelmed and almost in disbelief at this achievement. That moment marked a turning point for me, shifting my focus from purely financial goals to building something lasting and impactful.

Another high came more recently and had a different flavor. It wasn’t about financial success but about seeing the impact of our work on people. Over three consecutive Saturdays, we held holiday parties across three states, where I got to meet with over 80% of our team and their significant others. Witnessing the excitement, camaraderie, and the sense of belonging among the team was an indescribable feeling. It was a realization that what we’ve built extends far beyond myself. Seeing the team driven by the same vision and believing in each other was profoundly fulfilling. It was a moment of reflection on the life success we’ve achieved as a group.

These experiences have reshaped my understanding of success. It’s no longer just about the numbers. It’s about creating a legacy, a supportive work environment, and a company that stands the test of time. My current focus is on helping our employees find peace and fulfillment, ensuring they feel supported by the company, and fostering a culture that will last for the next 100 years.

Do you feel comfortable sharing a story from your own experience about how you felt unusually low, and vulnerable as a result of your business? We would love to hear it.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a profoundly challenging period for my business, leading to one of my lowest and most vulnerable moments. The crisis struck just as we were finalizing a crucial acquisition, a move that symbolized not only a substantial financial commitment but also a strategic pivot for our future. The pandemic’s impact was immediate and severe, with an abrupt 80% drop in revenue as the restaurant industry, our primary market, shut down. This unforeseen disaster compelled me to call off the acquisition at the eleventh hour, throwing our carefully laid plans into disarray.

I found myself in a situation where the future I had meticulously planned for my company was suddenly unattainable. The uncertainty was not just about business survival; it was intensely personal. Our ‘people-first’ culture, something we prided ourselves on, was under threat. Faced with the possibility of layoffs, I experienced a profound sense of loss and responsibility. Jesse, our Director of Operations, presented me with a sobering ‘staff ranking’ list, delineating who might have to leave if the worst came to pass. The thought of letting go of people who had become more than just employees, but a part of the Versi family, was deeply unsettling.

Based on your experience can you tell us what you did to bounce back?

Bouncing back from this low point required tough yet thoughtful decisions, with our team’s welfare at the forefront. Acknowledging the financial hardships our employees would face due to furloughs, we offered them interest-free loans to bridge the gap until government aid became available. This decision was more than a business strategy; it was an affirmation of our commitment to our employees’ well-being.

The process of furloughing was handled with utmost care and transparency. I personally reached out to each affected team member, not just to convey the decision but also to provide reassurance and support during this difficult time. These conversations were not easy, but they were necessary to maintain trust and openness within our team.

This approach yielded an unexpected but invaluable outcome. Once the business began to recover, and we were ready to bring our team back, 100% of our staff returned. This not only saved us from the costs and challenges of hiring and training new employees but also preserved the invaluable institutional knowledge within our team. It highlighted an economic benefit that went hand-in-hand with our people-first philosophy.

The experience taught us a crucial lesson: investing in our employees’ welfare extends beyond moral responsibility; it’s a strategic imperative. It’s not just about providing care and support; it’s about nurturing a resilient, committed, and knowledgeable workforce that can steer the company through any crisis. This episode reaffirmed our belief in the power of a supportive and loyal team in driving business success.

Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “Five Things You Need To Successfully Ride The Emotional Highs & Lows Of Being An Entrepreneur”?

Navigating the entrepreneurial journey is complex and unique to each individual, but there are core elements that have been instrumental in my journey:

1. Support System (The Santa Claus Effect): The belief and support of those around you can be transformative. I call it the ‘Santa Claus Effect’ — the more people believe in you, the more empowered you feel. Early on, my parents’ unwavering faith in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. Later, as my business grew, having a team that believed in my vision was crucial. Their support was like a force multiplier, boosting my capability and drive.

2. Purpose and Motivation: Knowing your ‘why’ is vital. My purpose was shaped by my early experiences, particularly my brother’s battle with leukemia. It instilled in me a desire to protect, provide, and inspire. This purpose has been my north star, guiding my decisions and giving me the resilience to push through challenges. It’s the reason I wake up every morning ready to tackle whatever comes my way.

3. Maintaining Optimism: Staying optimistic, especially during tough times, is essential. A vivid example is a significant financial setback I faced in an investment outside my usual business avenues. Despite a substantial loss and being told there was no feasible solution, I stayed optimistic. I relentlessly sought alternatives and eventually found a way to recover a substantial portion of my losses. This experience reinforced my belief that with optimism and persistence, even seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome.

4. Adaptability in a Changing Landscape: Adaptability has been a cornerstone of my journey, especially in navigating rapidly changing environments and learning from the experiences of others. A prime example of this was our response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with an immediate and dramatic drop in revenue, we had to quickly reassess and adapt our business model. This rapid pivot, driven by necessity, led us to explore new avenues and services. Remarkably, this change not only helped us weather the storm but also propelled our growth post-pandemic, resulting in a tenfold increase in revenue compared to our pre-COVID numbers. This experience underscored the importance of being agile and responsive in the face of unforeseen challenges.

5. Leading Through People: Empowering your team is essential. Leading through people involves creating a culture of trust, vulnerability, and leading by example. My approach has always focused on humility and setting an example, whether in handling personal challenges or professional setbacks. This leadership style has built a resilient, motivated team capable of driving the business forward.

These five elements — support, purpose, optimism, adaptability, and leading through people — have been fundamental in my entrepreneurial journey. They have helped me navigate the highs and lows with resilience and grace, always keeping me grounded in my mission and values.

We are living during challenging times and resilience is critical during times like these. How would you define resilience? What do you believe are the characteristics or traits of resilient people?

Resilience, especially in the context of entrepreneurship and life’s challenges, is a trait that goes beyond just enduring hardships. It’s about how you emerge from these trials — stronger, wiser, and more determined. It’s a dynamic process of positive adaptation in the face of adversity.

At its core, resilience is about forward movement. Resilient individuals don’t merely accept defeat; they learn from it and then rise again. It’s not about never falling but about how quickly and effectively you stand back up. It’s a blend of determination, optimism, and an unwavering will to move forward, regardless of the obstacles.

In my experience, resilience is manifested in several ways. First, it’s about acknowledging a setback, not denying it, but then actively looking for a path to recovery. It’s about maintaining a constructive outlook, finding the silver linings, and learning from every experience.

A key trait of resilient people is their resourcefulness. They are adept at finding solutions, often thinking outside the box to overcome challenges. This resourcefulness is coupled with an unyielding resolve to keep pushing forward, to continually seek improvement and growth.

Another aspect of resilience is emotional agility. It’s the ability to process and move through difficult emotions, not letting them overwhelm you or dictate your actions. This emotional agility allows for clear, strategic thinking, even in the midst of turmoil.

Finally, resilience is also about knowing when to lean on others. It’s recognizing that seeking help or guidance isn’t a sign of weakness, but a strategic move to bolster your own strengths and perspectives.

Did you have any experiences growing up that have contributed to building your resiliency? Would you mind sharing a story?

Absolutely, my journey to resilience has been paved with a variety of challenges, both personal and professional. Growing up, the experience with my brother Ryan’s leukemia battle was a foundational one. It taught me early on about optimism and facing adversity head-on. However, resilience for me truly developed when I started facing personal challenges where things didn’t go as planned, be it in aspirations or relationships.

I remember grappling with the decision to not pursue a career as a fireman, which was a dream I held for a long time. Shifting from this path wasn’t easy; it required accepting a new direction and embracing the unknown — a significant step in building resilience.

The most profound lessons in resilience, though, came from my personal life, particularly my two long-term relationships — with the mother of my children and my high school sweetheart. These relationships didn’t end as expected, and dealing with these breakups was heart-wrenching. Heartbreak can immobilize you, leave you feeling broken. But for me, it was crucial to move forward, to seek better for myself. This led me to therapy, where I unpacked years of emotional baggage, not just from these relationships but going back to my youth. It was a journey of self-discovery and healing, strengthening my mental and emotional resilience.

Professionally, I’ve always seen work as a series of problems requiring solutions. But true resilience, I believe, is more about the heart and mind. It’s about overcoming emotional turmoil and maintaining mental fortitude. I recall a trip to Greenland in my mid-twenties, where I learned a powerful lesson about resilience from a guide. Despite the freezing conditions, he exhibited incredible endurance and strength. That experience instilled in me a profound respect for mental fortitude in the face of physical discomfort — a lesson I carry with me to this day.

These experiences, from my early family life to personal relationships and professional endeavors, have all contributed to my resilience. They’ve taught me that resilience is not just about enduring but also about growing, learning, and becoming stronger through each challenge.

In essence, resilience is a multifaceted attribute. It combines a forward-moving mindset, resourcefulness, emotional agility, and the wisdom to seek and offer support. It’s these qualities that have been crucial in my journey, allowing me to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger from each one.

In your opinion, do you tend to keep a positive attitude during difficult situations? What helps you to do so?

Maintaining a positive attitude in challenging situations is something I firmly believe in and practice. Through experience, I’ve learned that negativity only hampers the ability to think clearly and find solutions. I’m here to win and to help others win, and a winning mindset is invariably a positive one.

When faced with a difficult moment, whether it’s a professional hurdle or a personal challenge like caring for my kids during a tough night, I remind myself that negativity doesn’t offer any solutions. Getting upset or angry doesn’t help; it doesn’t foster a conducive environment for problem-solving, neither for me nor for those around me.

Staying positive helps me create an atmosphere where creativity and solutions can thrive. It’s about cultivating a space where not only can I think clearly, but I can also encourage others to bring their best problem-solving skills to the table. A positive attitude can be infectious, uplifting the entire room, even in situations where things seem bleak.

Currently, as I’m hiking down Mt Hood in challenging conditions, with my toes hurting and hands numb, I maintain this positive outlook. I know that once I get through this, warmth and comfort await. This situation, like many others, is temporary, and a positive attitude helps me navigate through it more effectively. It’s this mindset that has been a cornerstone of my resilience and success.

Can you help articulate why a leader’s positive attitude can have a positive impact both on their clients and their team? Please share a story or example if you can.

Absolutely. A leader’s attitude sets the tone for the entire organization, influencing not only the team but also how clients perceive and interact with the company. When a leader displays confidence, optimism, and a solution-focused approach, it instills a sense of trust and stability within the team. This, in turn, radiates outward, positively affecting client relationships and the overall business environment.

For example, I recall an incident involving our client services team. We were transitioning to a new ACH platform for paying out our channel partners, which involved handling a significant amount of money. Unfortunately, the payout process encountered major issues — payments were sporadic, and many partners didn’t receive what they were due. It was a critical situation that tested our resilience and response as a company.

During our quarterly leadership meeting, where all department heads were present, the gravity of the situation became clear. Despite the understandable frustration and stress, I knew that displaying anger or assigning blame wouldn’t resolve the issue. Instead, I took a calm, collected approach, focusing the team on finding a solution. We held an all-hands-on-deck meeting, strategized a plan, and even reached out to the vendor on social media to expedite the resolution.

My response set the tone. Rather than succumbing to panic or frustration, the team mirrored my calm approach, working together to contact every partner and explain the situation. This collective effort not only solved the problem but also strengthened our relationships with our partners. It showed them that we were a reliable, responsive organization, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

This incident taught us a valuable lesson: a leader’s positive attitude in difficult situations can foster a culture of accountability, creativity, and resilience. It encourages openness and honesty, ensuring that mistakes are not only acknowledged but also learned from. Ultimately, this approach builds stronger teams and fosters deeper trust with clients, as they see a company that handles challenges with grace and effectiveness.

Ok. Super. We are nearly done. What is your favorite inspirational quote that motivates you to pursue greatness? Can you share a story about how it was relevant to you in your own life?

You know, I don’t have a specific go-to quote. My life has been more about action and experience than drawing inspiration from words. However, if I were to encapsulate my approach to life and business, it would be something along the lines of: ‘Reflect on the past, live in the present, plan for the future.’ This isn’t a quote I read somewhere; it’s more of a philosophy that I’ve developed over time.

In my journey, I’ve learned that the most valuable insights often come from interactions with people, from those I deeply respect to the strangers I meet. Each conversation, each encounter, offers lessons that have been instrumental in shaping my decisions and actions.

For instance, there was a time when I was facing a particularly tough business decision. I remember having a conversation with someone I greatly respect. The advice I received wasn’t in the form of a catchy quote but was practical, grounded, and immensely helpful. It wasn’t just the advice that mattered, but the context in which it was given. It helped me navigate that situation with a clearer perspective.

So for me, the inspiration doesn’t come from a single line of wisdom, but from a continuous pursuit of learning, understanding, and applying the collective wisdom of the experiences and people I encounter. It’s about being open to lessons from all sources — and using that knowledge to better myself and the decisions I make.

How can our readers further follow you online?

I’m active on social media, and I welcome readers to connect with me. You can find me on LinkedIn at Tyler Young’s LinkedIn and on Facebook at Tyler Young’s Facebook. These platforms are where I often share insights, updates, and engage with the community.

Additionally, for those interested in staying updated with our companies, Bold and Tonic, you can follow our LinkedIn accounts and YouTube channel. For Bold, visit Bold’s LinkedIn and explore our services at Bold’s website. For Tonic, follow us on Tonic’s LinkedIn, subscribe to Tonic’s YouTube channel, and learn more about our offerings at Tonic’s website.

For the latest scoops, some straight talk, and a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re cooking up in the fintech world, give these pages a follow. It’s where the real magic happens, and I’m excited to share it with you all.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success and good health!