On rough seas: How to navigate companies safely through stormy times
My first sailing trip: From sunshine to beads of sweat
I will never forget how, in 1996, I boarded my very first sailing trip in the Aegean Sea full of anticipation. My girlfriend at the time was an active sailor and I had already gained some initial sailing experience. Nevertheless, we decided to sail with an experienced skipper – a choice we did not regret.
At first, everything was picture-perfect: bright blue skies, light winds, sparkling water. But conditions changed abruptly. Completely out of the blue, an unusually persistent bad weather front moved in. So we headed for the nearest island and were stuck on a small islet for days. Impatient, we decided to continue sailing despite our skipper’s concerns—after all, we wanted to discover the Aegean Sea! The decision was easy for us because we believed the wind had subsided.
But as soon as we were out on the open sea, the storm showed its true colors. Huge waves swept across the deck, causing some of our equipment to go overboard and water to enter the boat. The whipping wind made the sail flap, and it became clear to me more than once: if we had had to sail on our own, we would have been completely overwhelmed by this situation. In these threatening moments, only our skipper’s expertise ensured that we arrived safely at the next port.
Stormy winds in the economy
In a way, today’s economic situation reminds me of these rough weather conditions. Many companies, whether start-ups, medium-sized businesses or large corporations, are facing a multitude of challenges: fluctuating demand, rising costs, a significant shortage of skilled workers, and geopolitical uncertainties, which in turn make investment decisions difficult.
The number of corporate insolvencies continued to rise in 2024 and is now at its highest level since 2015.
Of course, there have been rough patches in the past, but rarely have so many unfavorable factors hit companies at the same time. It is not uncommon for entrepreneurs to feel as if they have to chart their course in thick fog – without knowing what shoals or cliffs lie ahead.
Why an experienced “skipper” makes all the difference
At times like these, it helps to have someone on board who has already experienced the sea in extreme conditions and successfully navigated their boat. A “skipper” who has reliable experience and is operationally skilled can remain calm and keep an eye on the big picture. Applied to the business world, this means: an experienced sparring partner who looks at the situation with a fresh perspective, quickly recognizes the first warning signs, and works with company leaders to take the right steps before major damage occurs.
A good skipper does not force anyone to change course, but rather points out different routes and explains their risks and opportunities. Together, they consider which course of action makes the most sense. Sometimes this means making a seemingly inconvenient stopover instead of heading directly into the storm. In other cases, it may be advisable to reef the sails in good time or switch to alternative routes. With openness and a little spirit of adventure, you can even discover new horizons or explore unknown shores. It is precisely this flexibility and navigational experience that is needed in uncertain economic situations.
enable2grow team: Entrepreneurs as companions
This is exactly where we come in as the enable2grow team. We have all held positions of entrepreneurial responsibility in various industries and have many years of operational experience. That’s why we know where the typical pitfalls lie. Whether entering new markets involves risks, rising energy and raw material costs reduce the scope for action, or difficulties in finding suitable skilled workers slow down plans – we know the situation not only from hearsay, but from our own experience.
This combination of practical expertise, methodological know-how, and a sense for the right moment, not to mention our empathy for human behavior and dynamics in organizations, makes us a reliable partner. We see ourselves as experienced “skippers” at the customer’s side: we don’t just explain where to go, we work together to develop a course that fits the corporate culture, goals, and resources. In doing so, we also like to look around the corner to discover opportunities that may only reveal themselves at second glance. Always with the premise: create added value, minimize risks, grow sustainably.
Inviting change of course: Free sparring session
So if you’re feeling like you’re in the eye of the storm, it’s worth venturing a glance over the railing. If you’re currently “under water” or lacking a clear view, we offer a free sparring session to find out together whether we’re a good fit for each other. Because not every skipper is right for every boat – the key is that both sides are convinced they want to stay on course together.
In this sparring session (2 hours), we look at the current situation, talk openly about upcoming challenges, and highlight perspectives that may not have been on the radar yet. Sometimes a short conversation is enough to gain new insights and initiate a first change of direction.
Cast off: exchange desired!
At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: mustering the courage to secure external support before the waves become really threatening. Just as I was glad to have an experienced skipper at my side on my first Aegean tour, you too can find the decisive companion for your entrepreneurial journey in a professional sparring partner.
What do you think? Are you ready to break new ground and use the storms of the business world as an opportunity? Then let’s talk—we are here to help with advice, support, and a good dose of adventurous spirit. I look forward to charting the course with you and setting the course for a successful future.
Schlagworte