Business survival often comes down to what happens when plans fall apart. Few know this better than international entrepreneur Ramesan Doraisami, who rebuilt from scratch after losing everything in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Drawing from three decades of experience across a dozen successful ventures, Ramesan offers battle-tested strategies for entrepreneurs looking to build companies that can weather any storm.
Embracing Adaptability – Bend or Break
Ask Ramesan what keeps businesses alive during tough times and he won’t hesitate. “The first key to building a resilient business is embracing adaptability,” he says. This isn’t just theory for him – he’s built a dozen international businesses over nearly 30 years, and he’s seen what works. Adaptability had saved him more times than he can count. Markets shift. Customers change their minds. Competitors come out of nowhere. The businesses that make it aren’t always the biggest or best-funded – they’re the ones that can turn on a dime when they need to. “Whether pivoting strategies quickly in response to market changes or adjusting to new cultural landscapes, flexibility has been integral to my journey and success,” Ramesan explains. He’s had to shift gears across different countries, cultures, and economic conditions, watching competitors disappear when they couldn’t adjust fast enough.
Foster Resilience Through Real Challenges
Nothing tests a business owner like complete catastrophe. For Ramesan, it was the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. “I lost everything in a matter of hours,” he recalls. You can hear the weight of that moment in his voice, but also what came after – the painful, step-by-step rebuilding process. “This isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about forging forward with a renewed vision and strengthened resolve,” he says. That’s the difference between those who quit and those who rebuild. Ramesan doesn’t sugarcoat it – disaster breaks many entrepreneurs. But those who make it through often build something stronger the second time around. “Businesses that withstand any storm are those that see challenges as catalysts for growth and innovation.”
Build on a Foundation of Knowledge and Experience
Ramesan brings an unusual background to his work with entrepreneurs. He’s got the credentials – “a law degree from the University of London and a postgraduate degree in management from Switzerland.” But his most valuable education came from watching his business wash away in a natural disaster, then figuring out how to start over. That combination shapes his work today with the Entrepreneur Success Foundry. “I focus on equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed,” he explains. His approach cuts through the usual business school fluff to focus on what actually keeps companies alive when things get tough.
These days, Ramesan spends his time trying to help other business owners avoid learning things the hard way. “I am committed to helping entrepreneurs reach their personal and business goals with minimal obstacles,” he says. After rebuilding his own life and business from scratch, he knows which pitfalls can be avoided and which lessons have to be lived. He’s not interested in working with entrepreneurs in isolation. Instead, he’s building a community where business owners support each other through challenges. “Let’s connect and explore how we can work together to create a community of resilient and adaptable entrepreneurs,” he offers. His goal is straightforward: “I look forward to empowering you to build a business that not only survives but thrives, no matter what comes your way.”
Connect with Ramesan Doraisami on LinkedIn to gain insights on building resilient businesses that thrive in any situation.
