4 things Tina Turner taught me about entrepreneurship and dealing with the challenges life throws at you

Soul-rock legend Tina Turner passed away today – and apart from teaching us all how to Nutbush, the singer’s life serves as a testament to purpose, passion and resilience – three attributes entrepreneurs have in spades.

Tina’s story is one of strength and perseverance. Her journey wasn’t always easy – she faced numerous obstacles throughout her life, from a challenging upbringing to titanic struggles in the music industry. But what sets Tina apart is her unwavering determination to follow her passion despite the adversities she encountered.

She teaches us that resilience is not just about bouncing back – it’s about pushing forward through every challenge, no matter how daunting.

Tina encountered many hurdles on her path to stardom. Yet, she never let them dampen her spirits.

Her turbulent relationship with her husband/manager/music partner, Ike, was notorious within the music industry.

Still, it wasn’t until Tina found the courage to leave Ike after years of abuse that the absolute depths of her challenges were revealed to the world. Leaving the abusive relationship behind, Tina reinvented herself and rebuilt her career from scratch.

Purpose, passion and resilience

So what does this have to do with small business and entrepreneurship?

Courage and resilience are essential qualities for any business owner. The ability to take risks, embrace uncertainty and overcome setbacks are all part of the game. To succeed, founders need to stay committed to their goals and never waver in the face of hurdles. Similarly, staying agile and open to change is crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of business.

As for Tina’s courage … courage is the fuel that propels us to take risks and pursue our visions. As entrepreneurs, you’re constantly stepping into uncharted territory, making it essential to embrace uncertainty and face your fears head-on. Tina shows us that feeling fear is okay, but having the courage to move forward is even more critical.

But it’s not just grit and persistence that will get you through the tough times. Building a solid support system is also critical for personal and professional growth. Tina soon learned that surrounding herself with mentors, friends, and other people who encouraged her and believe in her vision was essential for success.

When Tina Turner was dumped by her record label following her divorce from Ike, pop star David Bowie came to her rescue. Bowie had just signed a new deal with EMI but refused the usual celebratory dinner, saying he would see Tina Turner perform instead. The label head tagged along to see the show with him, and Tina credits this fateful event as the reason she received a new recording contract with EMI Capitol.

Breaking away from the status quo

The signing was to prove fruitful for both the singer and label, with Tina releasing a number of Grammy-winning singles and albums over the years. With a career that spanned 60-plus years, what is also remarkable about Tina was her ability to capture the sound of the times.

Tina’s ability to embrace change and adapt to new times is something we should all strive for. She was able to reinvent herself many times over during her career, seamlessly transitioning between eras and musical genres. As entrepreneurs, we also need to have the courage and flexibility to adjust our strategies and processes to best suit today’s rapidly changing markets.

Breaking away from the status quo and trying something new can be intimidating; however, being agile and open-minded is key to staying ahead in business. If you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, you must be willing to take risks and accept change willingly.

Tina’s story reminds us that success is not handed to us on a silver platter; it’s earned through determination and unwavering belief in ourselves.

As entrepreneurs, we can draw inspiration from Tina’s unwavering spirit, her ability to overcome personal and professional challenges, and her remarkable resilience.

If there is one message to take from Tina Turner’s life story it’s that setbacks are not roadblocks; they are opportunities for growth, if only you have the courage to make a change.