In episode 26, I sit down with Ben Wessels, founder of Bloom International Ventures (BIV), to discuss his experiences building businesses across three continents over the last decade. Ben has dedicated his career to increasing access to care for children with autism and now works with entrepreneurs worldwide, providing capital and strategic support through BIV. His focus is on helping businesses grow while creating positive impacts in their communities.
Meet Ben Wessels
Ben Wessels is a social entrepreneur who uses business to drive community impact. Through BIV, he partners with local entrepreneurs, helping them build successful businesses while addressing community needs. His work emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and finding practical solutions to business challenges.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode reinforces that success is not about following a traditional path—it’s about self-awareness, persistence, and connection. By finding your niche, embracing your role, and collaborating with others, you unlock opportunities that wouldn’t exist on your own.
In this Episode, We Discuss:
In this episode, we discuss:
- Optimism and Realism: Balancing a positive outlook with a practical approach to business challenges.
- Creating an Adaptive Business: Staying flexible in business models and decisions to navigate change and uncertainty.
- Collaborating with the Community: Working with local entrepreneurs to understand markets and create better outcomes.
- The Key to Success and Growth: Building a strong network and aligning with people who share your vision.
Conversation Takeaways
- Success stems from pairing optimism with a realistic approach.
- Businesses must evolve to stay viable. Adapting to current environments and implementing innovative models ensures resilience during periods of uncertainty.
- Entrepreneurs expanding into new markets should seek insights from local partners and invest in community projects to foster mutual growth and trust.
- Surround yourself with supportive individuals who align with your motivations and can help you unlock new opportunities.
A Quote to Remember
“Listen to your folks – you have to be able to just show up and say, ‘Yeah, I hear you. What are your thoughts on how that gets fixed?’ And you have to take that in.” – Ben Wessels
Light Bulb Moments – Episode 26
Collaboration Is The Key To Expansion with Ben Wessels
The Light Bulb Moment of This Episode
You don’t need a traditional path to succeed-follow your passion, find the gap, stay persistent, and collaborate with others to bring ideas to life.
Light Bulb Moments & Reflections from the Episode
- You don’t need a business background to be an entrepreneur.
Focus on your industry, understand it deeply, and identify opportunities within it.
- Find the gap and go after it.
Look for what’s missing and create a solution around that need.
- Follow your passion.
Motivation and energy come from doing what you genuinely care about.
- Understand what motivates your team.
Connect with them personally and align their motivations with your vision.
- Take a sabbatical.
Step away, create quiet time, and allow space for clarity and new ideas.
- Listen to opposing perspectives.
The greatest insights often come from people who disagree with you.
- Lean into your strengths.
If you’re a visionary, embrace it-don’t force yourself into roles that don’t fit.
- Persistence drives results.
Keep going, even when things don’t work immediately-progress still happens.
- Good things come from action-even imperfect action.
Even when outcomes aren’t perfect, they often lead to unexpected opportunities.
- Collaboration accelerates growth.
Use your network, connect with others, and build ideas together.
Listen to Episode 23 of Light Bulb Moments to learn how collaboration, adaptability, and strategic thinking can drive business growth and community impact. Don’t forget to subscribe for more!