Setbacks are an inevitable part of every career, but the leaders featured on It’s Personal Stories show that disappointment is not a dead end, it is a turning point. Whether navigating failed projects, self-doubt, personal hardship, or unexpected transitions, their stories reveal powerful patterns about how to rise stronger. Here are five principles that consistently emerge from their journeys.

1. Reframe Setbacks as Learning Cycles, Not Endings

Many leaders discovered that adversity sharpened their perspective and clarified their purpose. They remind us that every transition, whether chosen or unexpected, teaches something new about who we are and what we’re capable of. Jenn Clark Fugolo, Vice President, Industry & Stakeholder Engagement at AHLA, shared that overcoming obstacles begins with honest reflection: “No one is perfect…accept continuous improvement. Remind yourself that nothing is final. Take the lesson, keep moving, and use it as a springboard to what’s next.” Michael Evans, President of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, emphasized that clarity comes before action, noting that staying calm and breaking down the problem enables stronger decision-making. The shift is powerful: instead of replaying the setback, leaders mine it for insight, turning adversity into a catalyst for long-term growth.

2. Lean Into Discomfort; It Builds Confidence

Many leaders credit the most intimidating moments with unlocking their greatest confidence. Mit Shah, Founder and CEO of Noble Investment Group, expressed this directly, urging aspiring leaders to “run to the fire,” embracing difficult situations as the greatest teachers. Janine Williams, who once doubted her ability to lead a tech company, added that too often our internal narratives hold us back: “There is nothing about who you are that prevents you from succeeding.” Their journeys reveal a universal truth: confidence does not precede action; courage does. Belief grows only after we step into the unknown.

3. Surround Yourself With Truth-Tellers and Supportive Voices

Rebounding is rarely a solo journey. The most successful leaders leaned on mentors, peers, and colleagues who offered clarity, steadiness, and honest guidance. Malaika Myers, Former Chief Human Resources Officer at Hyatt, described a mentor who allowed her to “run into a freight train,” trusting that she would grow from the experience. Others spoke about champions who provided encouragement at the exact moment it was most needed. These relationships, built on trust, candor, and shared values, help  leaders reset, refocus, and rise after difficult moments. Strong networks do not remove adversity, but they make it navigable.

4. Stay Grounded in Your Values And Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Your Personal Board of Directors for Help

Setbacks feel far less destabilizing when leaders turn to the people who know them, believe in them, and want to see them succeed - their personal board of directors. Asking for help is not a weakness; it is an essential act of resilience. Chip Conley, Founder and CEO of Modern Elder Academy, reframed this beautifully: “The wisest leaders know when to ask for help…that’s where real wisdom comes from - knowing what you don’t know and reaching out.” During challenging moments, this trusted circle becomes an anchor, offering perspective, reminding you of your strengths, and helping you stay aligned with your values. Rebounding becomes far more achievable when you do not carry the weight alone.

5. Keep Moving, Even Small Steps Rebuild Momentum

Resilience grows through steady action. Leaders found that momentum doesn’t return all at once. It returns through consistent effort. Chip Rogers, Former President and CEO of AHLA, compared this to running: when exhausted, focus on “one more step, one more marker.” Progress rebuilds through small, deliberate moves: raising your hand for new opportunities, preparing deeply, staying curious, and embracing continuous learning. Forward motion, even imperfect motion, restores confidence and direction.

Turning Setbacks Into Strength

Disappointments can derail us or redefine us. The interviewed leaders of It’s Personal Stories show that rebounding is not about avoiding adversity but about choosing how to interpret and respond to it. Through curiosity, courage, honest relationships, grounded values, and steady movement, every setback becomes an invitation to grow into a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of ourselves.