Seasons of Change: When to Hibernate and When to Blossom as a Founder

In this episode of Founder’s Battlefield, host, Michael Anthony Macharia sits down with three dynamic entrepreneurs—Khalhani Sichangi, Teresa Njoroge, and Olive Gachara—to explore the delicate balance between perseverance and pivoting in the entrepreneurial journey. Their stories reveal profound lessons on resilience, timing, and the internal battles every founder faces.

The Power of Resilience and Values

Teresa Njoroge, a social entrepreneur and founder of Clean Start Africa, shared her harrowing journey from wrongful incarceration to building an organization that empowers formerly incarcerated women. Her story underscores the importance of staying true to one’s values, even in the face of systemic injustice. “Standing by your values defines your decisions,” she emphasized. For Teresa, her lowest moment became the catalyst for her greatest work—proving that setbacks can be setups for reinvention.

Adaptability and the Art of Pivoting

Olive Gachara, a brand consultant and founder of Couture Africa, illustrated how change isn’t always born from failure but can stem from ambition and opportunity. Starting as a model and event producer, she transitioned into image consultancy and media, demonstrating that pivoting can be strategic rather than reactive. “When you’re at a plateau, that’s your moment to pivot,” she noted. Her journey highlights the importance of recognizing when to evolve—whether due to market shifts or personal growth.

Youth, Hustle, and Knowing When to Pause

At just 23, Khalhani Sichangi represents the boldness of young entrepreneurs who dive headfirst into ventures with unwavering confidence. Yet, even the most driven founders face moments requiring introspection. Michael reflected on his own early career, where youthful optimism shielded him from discouragement—until setbacks forced him to recalibrate. The lesson? Hustle is essential, but so is knowing when to step back and reassess.

The Role of External Factors: Politics and Market Shifts

The conversation also delved into how external environments—political climates, economic conditions, and industry trends—impact entrepreneurial decisions. Teresa pointed out that in unfavorable regimes, founders may need to explore new markets or adjust strategies. Meanwhile, Olive emphasized the importance of creating globally scalable ventures to mitigate local instability. The consensus? Adaptability isn’t just about personal resilience but also about navigating external forces with agility.

Mental Health and the Founder’s Crucible

A raw moment emerged as the panel discussed the mental toll of entrepreneurship. Michael recounted the pressure of sustaining a large team amid financial uncertainty, while Teresa spoke of the sacrifices required to balance motherhood and mission-driven work. Olive’s approach—intentional pauses and selective amnesia—highlighted the need for self-care amid chaos. The takeaway: Founders must define their own metrics of success and prioritize well-being to avoid burnout.

Spirituality and Flow in Decision-Making

The discussion closed with reflections on intuition and divine timing. Teresa and Olive both stressed the importance of aligning with a higher purpose, whether through faith or trusting one’s instincts. “When something is meant to work, it flows,” Olive remarked. Michael added that ego often clouds judgment, and true breakthroughs come when founders surrender to the process rather than force outcomes.