The Resilient Entrepreneur: From Crisis to Enlightenment

by Rachel Doern

Overview

How can entrepreneurs become mentally, emotionally and practically prepared for a crisis? What strategies might help them endure and surface from a crisis? And what can we learn from them?

Drawing on research and insights from 20 years spent studying entrepreneurs, Rachel Doern explores the experiences of entrepreneurs facing crises and presents practical strategies for building resilience in a turbulent world. With real-life examples and hands-on exercises, this book offers actionable steps to build resilience—and to protect it—by helping us shift how we think, what we focus on and how we shape and use our environment and resources.

Essential reading for entrepreneurs, students and academics, business stakeholders, coaches and mentors, this book provides a fresh perspective on navigating crises. Through personal stories of resilience, it offers inspiration and guidance for the resilience work we can all do.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529201192
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	09/30/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240

About the Author

Rachel Doern is Reader/Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths, University of London. She researches crisis management and resilience in an entrepreneurial context. Her work has appeared in the popular press, including the BBC and Los Angeles Times.

Table of Contents

An Introduction to Entrepreneurs in Crisis

1. Understanding Resilience

Part 1: Strategies Entrepreneurs Use That Strengthen Resilience

2. Distraction

3. Expectation Management

4. Positive Self-talk

5. Positive Reappraisal

6. Situation Selection and Modification

7. Offsetting Resource Losses

8. Leaning into Social Support

Part 2: Strategies That Can Compromise Resilience and How to Manage Them

9. Denial

10. Rumination

11. Behavioural Disengagement

Part 3: Conclusions

12. The Resilience Work We Can All Do

Appendix A: Additional Commentary on the Implications of the Research

Appendix B: Additional Commentary for Studying Entrepreneurs in Crisis and Resilience

Editorial Reviews

‘This is a deeply human book that equips entrepreneurs with practical strategies and hope. Insightful, empathetic, and timely. Resilience research at its best.’ Nick Hounsfield, The Wave

‘Compelling, insightful, stimulating. A vital read for entrepreneurs and those fascinated by them. Resilience is the bedrock for founders. This is a definitive exploration of enduring strength.’ Greg Ingham, EntreConf

‘Doern is a Tour de Force. This book is packed with absolute gems. Hugely relatable for entrepreneurs who often operate in an isolated world where resilience is required to survive. Every entrepreneur should read this and get their peers to read it too.’ Mona Hayat, Nexus Digital Technology

‘Given its foundations in expert knowledge and real-world research on entrepreneurship and resilience, this book is an invaluable resource for academics, practitioners and advisors. An articulate, informative and engaging read, highly recommended.’ Susan Marlow, University of Nottingham

‘We know resilience is a whole-of-society endeavour. In The Resilient Entrepreneur, Rachel gives a practical and useful guide to support business owners.’ Cliff Fleming, London Resilience

‘Doern’s brilliant analysis of entrepreneurs in crises provides a rich and fascinating insight into the concept of resilience, providing a foundation for strategies for consideration by everyone in crisis.’ Robert Blackburn, University of Liverpool

‘When entrepreneurs break, businesses do too. Doern’s book offers practical ways to stay resilient, protecting not just individuals, but the innovation and momentum our economies depend on.’ Andreas Kuckertz, University of Hohenheim

‘Rachel’s book is full of important tips and strategies to build your resilience, based on compelling stories from small business owners.’ Paul Wilson, Federation of Small Businesses

From the Publisher