Inspirational stories give us hope
It is almost a New Year. I am sure, most of us are looking forward to hopefully a more predictable year, but that may not be the case so we need to take time over the holidays break and pause, reflect, and reset the strategy or approach for the year ahead. We need to also recognise what we have learnt and how we can apply that knowledge in the future and how there is a way forward , often when we least expect it.
I was often reminded during 2020, of an event we ran back in 2017, themed “Problems and Opportunities” and how each of the speakers had drawn on their personal skills to get through. We heard stories that illustrated how they had managed to get through very difficult circumstances. You may have read about them in my book in Chapter 3 , or even been at the event?
Jane Seymour, co-founder of Mount Zero Olives was one of the speakers. Mount Zero Olives is a primary producer of olives and olive oil. Jane shared the trials and tribulations of running an award winning iconic brand that was beholden to the elements and far outside her comfort zone.
It is a good time to share or perhaps, remind you of Jane’s presentation and how a problem turned into an opportunity.
Mount Zero Olives—Building a brand one opportunity at a time
Jane and her husband Neil established Mount Zero Olives in 1993 following an unexpected redundancy. Neil was looking for a new venture. They fell in love with a derelict olive grove in the foothills of Mt Zero, adjacent to the Grampians National Park.
Jane’s first glimpse of the property was on a scorching hot, dusty day in January. The soil, baked hard in the sun, with scores of shrivelled, stunted olive trees that had been neglected for decades made Jane’s heart sink. How could they ever transform this overgrown mess into a business venture that could support them both and fulfil Neil’s dream and restore his confidence?
Fast-forward twenty five years and Mount Zero Olives is now an iconic brand, distributed nationally and to some of our Asian neighbours. In recognition of their contribution to the industry, Jane and Neil have been inducted into the Melbourne Food and Wine Hall of Fame and won numerous awards for their biodynamic olive oil. They have diversified and now also harvest Mount Zero Pink Lake Salt, have formed partnerships with local farmers to grow biodynamic pulses and grains which are distributed under the Mount Zero brand, and offer a range of other products including falafel mix and spicy red lentils.
A story of triumph
Starting with a neglected olive grove, they learnt over many seasons how to rejuvenate the trees using Biodynamic farming methods, focusing on the health of the trees and the soil. It was a long slow process that required great tenacity but it was well worth the effort.
It is a story of triumph over adversity. Here are some of the challenges expressed in her words:
“Leaving a comfortable home in the city, a secure well-paid job, and the closeness of family and friends to set up home in a tin shed with an outside dunny and a makeshift shower rigged up in a rusty old tank. Hours away from the city and everything it has to offer, and having to start from scratch in an isolated, rugged environment.
Having to learn how to nurse the olive trees back to good health through long hours of backbreaking work. Persevering through sweltering long summers facing fire and drought. Learning to respect and embrace the principles of biodynamic farming and learning to love the rugged beauty of the land in all its seasons. Learning how to live sustainably and forge new relationships, including those with local indigenous people.
Forging a new path as a woman on the land with courage, bloody-minded determination and resilience.”
Embrace problems as opportunities
Jane’s story is inspirational. It highlights pitfalls, challenges, a different business perspective, and a willingness to learn and exchange knowledge and skills.
What seemed like enormous problems for Jane and Neil turned out to be an opportunity to live a very full and interesting life while creating a business that continues to expand. They were not afraid to take risks and are still involved in building their business.
Stories like this give us hope. They model qualities we all need if we aim to achieve what matters to us individually. They inspire and motivate us. We learn so much from hearing how others have found ways to turn seeming dead ends into opportunities to thrive. We can see how others have drawn on relationships and connections to support their quest for better lives.
Anything is Possible
I am sure we all learned lessons throughout 2020. Many found opportunities arose from unexpected places, and for others, the thought of 2021 may be rather daunting. So… to start off well and set the tone for business, our first event for 2021, will focus on the topic “Anything is Possible”.
Our speaker Peter Dempsey, has faced incredible challenges in his life and business, and has also found a way to make things possible.
Peter’s extraordinary life story brings into sharp focus the power of the human spirit and the fact that with the right mindset and inner belief you can achieve ANYTHING.
From not being expected to live, to being told he would never walk or talk again, Peter has time and time again proven the experts wrong.
If you want to stretch your thinking, be inspired to stop focusing on the IMPOSSIBLE and instead, realize - I’m- Possible of Anything, you will benefit and be inspired by Peter’s story. You can read more about the event HERE
In the meantime, enjoy the break. Catch up with your friends and family and remember that Peter and our founder, Kerryn Powell, believe, anything is possible… with a supportive network!
As The Network Catalyst and Founder of Your Time Matters, Kerryn is brilliant at facilitating deeper connection and authentic conversations. With over 30 years of experience in building networks and communities, Kerryn understands that in this ever-changing business landscape, it has never been more important to connect with the right people to build trusted and profitable relationships.
