Cole Brauer: An Inspiration

​Late last night, I watched the live stream of Cole Brauer crossing the finish line of the Global Solo Challenge. Many of you are probably just hearing about this 29-year-old woman as she has gained a lot of media attention. She is the first American woman to sail solo around the world, completing the daunting 26,000-nautical-mile race in 130 days on a 40-foot sailboat.

Cole has over 469K followers on Instagram – this author included. As an adventurer myself, I was drawn to her drive and determination, and I looked forward to my morning coffee and seeing her latest post.

I felt compelled to write this as her story can teach us a lot about being leaders and entrepreneurs and about managing our brands and social media.

It takes a team to succeed!
Despite this being the Solo Global Challenge, solo being the operative word, it was a team effort, and she genuinely knew this. "Shore Team Sunday" not only showcased posts dedicated to her support team but throughout the race, she continually acknowledged how important they were to the success of this journey.

As leaders, recognizing your team from the heart is not just a leadership gesture; it's the cornerstone of building a motivated and cohesive work environment. Genuine appreciation fosters a sense of value and inspires individuals to go above and beyond, ultimately fueling collective success.

If you believe in it, do it!
She didn’t grow up sailing, and in fact started sailing at the “late” age of 19 years old while attending college in Hawaii. In 2022, she had tried out for another competition, the Ocean Race, which is considered the pinnacle of professional ocean racing. Sailors in that race are highly trained, wear matching foul-weather gear, and have corporate sponsors. And most of them are men. Cole, who had sailed thousands of miles on high-performance ocean racing boats, felt she was ready to join their ranks. But after competing in trials in France, she was told she was “too short for the Southern Ocean” and was sent on her way. But this did not stop this 5-foot 1-inch powerhouse, from pursuing her dreams and goals.

As entrepreneurs, embracing your passion, believing in your dreams, and forging ahead despite challenges isn't just a recipe for success – it's the heartbeat of turning aspirations into reality. In the face of obstacles, unwavering determination becomes the compass that will guide you toward your goals.

The power of a smile and positivity.
On this incredible journey, her reports and updates often carried a heartfelt tone, reflecting the emotional ups and downs she navigated, from equipment breakages to setbacks and failures. However, her radiant spirit refused to let these challenges overshadow her light. Gratefully embracing every moment on Earth, she consistently shared her next post at sunrise, heralding a new day with the first light, infusing us with inspiration through her infectious smile and unwavering positivity.

As leaders, we're no strangers to tough situations and negativity, especially in these challenging times. Yet, choosing to lead with a sincere smile and unshakeable positivity, even when faced with setbacks and emotional lows, isn't just a leadership decision—it's a commitment that becomes ingrained in who you are. Authenticity isn't just about appearances; it's about letting positivity shine from your soul, seamlessly weaving resilience, and optimism into the very fabric of your leadership style, propelling your team towards unparalleled success.

Unleash the Power of Authenticity!
Her new sponsors had reservations about her bold social media experiment, and she got massive pushback, adding that it was vain, not important, and “We don’t want to pay for this.” She responded, “None of this is going to matter if the world can’t see it.” But unlike most professional sailors, she was decidedly human and authentic. Her posts included watching Netflix in her pajamas, doing her nails, and having dance parties. At first, even her social media manager pushed back at some of her posts, commenting, “In the beginning I looked at what she was doing, posting about washing her knickers in a bucket and I was like, ‘No! What are you doing?’” In Cole’s words, “If you treat people below you, people stop watching.” Further exemplified by the fact that she hasn’t been shy about letting people know that she lives out of her van as she moves around to where the boats go.

As brand ambassadors and social media managers, being real and upfront is crucial in today's landscape. Transparency isn't just a buzzword; it's the foundation for building trust between brands and consumers. When you share genuine insights about your brand, products, and how things work behind the scenes, it adds a human touch to every interaction. Being open, honest, and a little vulnerable helps your brand connect with people and build trust in a way that feels genuine and reliable.

As restauranteurs, consumers are hyper-aware of the world around them, and they expect the same from their restaurants. They crave authenticity, and restaurants that can deliver are winning their hearts (and stomachs). They want to know where their food comes from, how it’s prepared, and the values behind the business. This means clear labeling, responsible sourcing, and ethical practices are not just nice-to-haves but dealbreakers. Forget flashy gimmicks and obsessing over picture-perfect plating. Instead, dive into transparency, champion diversity, create impact, and embrace technology. 

Embrace the unexpected by unlocking the power within.
Despite facing significant challenges, including the withdrawal of half her competitors in the Global Solo Challenge and the persistent dangers of ocean races, where lives are still at risk, especially in the tumultuous storms of the Southern Ocean, she persevered. An incident involving a violent broaching left her with a rib injury as she was thrown across the hull in the rough waters near Africa. Another test of her resilience came when dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea prompted her U.S. team to guide her in inserting an IV. In reflecting on her unwavering determination, she shared with the Today show, “There’s no option at that point. You’re so far away from land that there’s no one who can rescue you or come and grab you. You kind of just need to keep moving along and keep doing everything.”

Successful leaders exemplify unwavering determination in the face of challenges, navigating through uncertainties with resilience and a steadfast spirit. They understand that preparation is essential, yet they embrace the reality that true leadership lies in the ability to adapt and thrive when the unexpected unfolds. In the pursuit of success, it's not about having a perfect plan but rather the courage to navigate uncharted territories with tenacity and unwavering belief in one's capabilities.
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As we celebrate Cole Brauer's remarkable achievement in conquering the Global Solo Challenge, her journey becomes a beacon of inspiration for leaders, entrepreneurs, and dreamers alike. Encouraging us to embrace the unexpected, to unlock the power within, and to navigate uncharted territories with courage and unwavering belief. Let her story be a guiding compass, steering us towards unparalleled success, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Thank you for sharing your journey with us Cole. 🤙🏻