Five Lessons from Florida: What I Learned from Entrepreneurs After Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Nature has its own way of teaching us. Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which I experienced in Florida, were not only physically challenging but also inspiring in terms of human resilience and crisis management.
Fortunately, I was 240 km away near Jacksonville, but even there it rained for three days straight.
The beautiful lake in the evening was murky afterwards and had risen significantly. (See photos above)
When I returned to Tampa, I hardly recognized parts of the city. At night, everything was pitch black, without electricity, without streetlights, with few cars on the road; the streets were naturally blocked and closed off with branches and other debris. All sorts of objects became projectiles in the storm and were scattered around afterwards. Cranes ended up in houses because they couldn’t be dismantled quickly enough. Branches, twigs, soil, dirt, and boards were everywhere on the streets and, within the next few days, along the roadsides (see photos below).
Some houses were buried under trees, many were flooded. I actually intended to have meetings, but what I found was much better.
After this shock, I had the good fortune to speak with numerous entrepreneurs and business owners whose attitude deeply impressed me.
It was partly life-threatening to stay in Tampa, and even afterwards, many roads were closed, underpasses were flooded, and one was strictly advised not to step into the water due to potential power cables or bacteria. Such events are rarely, if ever, known in Germany.
Here are five important lessons I drew from these conversations that have sustainably shaped my portrait and mentoring business as well as my life.
1. Flexibility is the Key to Success
The entrepreneurs told me how important it is to adapt quickly to new circumstances. During and after the storms, they had to rethink their business models, find new ways, and focus on the essentials. Many helped in the community for little to no money, clearing debris and trees, delivering food, water, supplies, medicine, and electrical equipment. There was no electricity for days, which meant no refrigerator, stove, air conditioning, or even charging a cell phone. Fortunately, most had water for showering—even if it was cold, it was over 30 degrees Celsius.
Application: In my business, this means being open to innovation, whether through the introduction of new software, technology, or flexible mentoring approaches. Instead of clinging to old concepts, I ask myself: What do my clients need right now? And what did I and my business need now?
2. Community Strengthens Us
Another insight was the power of community. Many entrepreneurs highlighted how crucial it is to have a strong network to rely on. Challenges are better overcome together. The BNI chapters I visited were particularly exemplary here. For example, one photographer had to vacate her studio within 24 hours because the large complex was at risk of collapse. There were no U-Haul trucks available so quickly because everyone in Tampa needed them, so she borrowed one from painters whose jobs had been postponed anyway because everyone was busy clearing branches and trees.
Application: I actively build relationships with other creatives and entrepreneurs. Through collaborations, joint projects, and mutual support, I strengthen my business and create an inspiring environment for growth.
3. Focus on the Positive
The entrepreneurs impressed me with their ability to see an opportunity in every crisis, even when it was painful. They told me stories about how they used difficulties as a springboard for new ideas, strengthened old friendships, and simply had to accept the situation to move forward. Many also took private action and lent out chainsaws or other equipment to help in the community, thus creating positive impact from a place of abundance. Helping is the most positive thing of all.
Application: I adopt this attitude by focusing on solutions even in difficult times. For example, an unexpected project cancellation could create space for a creative realignment.
4. Self-Care is Not a Weakness
Many entrepreneurs emphasized how important it is to look after one’s own mental and physical health to be successful in the long term. Especially in stressful times, self-care can decide between success and failure. Many people came together once they were safe, sharing food or making fires and grilling together. People looked out for each other to ensure everyone had enough, from hygiene products to baby formula or carpools. The costs for Airbnb and rental cars naturally exploded as many needed a roof over their heads at short notice if they had nowhere else to stay or if their cars were destroyed or submerged and thus defective. And after the first day, when many had to look after themselves, they immediately started taking care of everyone else. And in the evening, people sat in Ybor City with a nice cigar and treated themselves.
Application: I make sure to consciously take breaks in my life and cultivate sources of energy such as walks, meditation, or time with my dog. Or a nice cigar. This helps me remain present and inspired in my work because I also reward myself.
5. Long-Term Thinking Outperforms Short-Term Profit
A recurring theme in the conversations was the importance of sustainability and patience. Entrepreneurs who think long-term build not just businesses, but also trust and consistency. They considered how to prepare even better for the next time; implementation plans for storm preparations were made within the BNI chapters, as well as a plan for during and after the storm. All with the right contacts in case help is needed.
Application: In my mentoring approach, I focus on offering my clients not just quick wins, but equipping them with strategies that have a lasting effect. The same applies to my photography and storytelling business: my goal is to create lasting value that goes beyond the moment. And if I am not the right person for a task or if I cannot go any further at a certain point, I have a large network that I can recommend and that is available for long-term success.
American Casualness: Impressive and Inspiring
One of the most striking qualities I admired in the American entrepreneurs was their casualness paired with a pragmatic, hands-on mentality. Instead of complaining for long or getting lost in problems, they focused on solutions and acted decisively. This attitude was particularly palpable in the community after the storms: whether it was about rebuilding destroyed businesses, helping neighbors, or developing new ideas—the mixture of confidence and drive was infectious.
Application: This attitude inspires me to face challenges with more ease and optimism. This is often more difficult in Germany than elsewhere. At least that is how I perceive it. Instead of letting problems paralyze me, I try to clearly define the next step and tackle it directly. In my business, this manifests in faster decision-making and a focus on what is feasible, without using perfectionism as an excuse. Doing instead of waiting.
Conclusion
The encounters with these inspiring people have shown me that there is a valuable lesson in every challenge. I saw these five principles, which enrich my professional and private life, more vividly in Tampa in a very short time than ever before. They remind me that we cannot always control the circumstances, but we can control how we react to them. And that is exactly where true strength lies.
