Rasmussen MA CEC PCC This past week, I flew from Vancouver to Vilnius, Lithuania, to deliver the closing keynote at the 7th Annual Lithuanian Coaching Conference. The theme was Growth Where Others See Limits.
I arrived as a stranger and left feeling deeply connected to the other coaches, business leaders, and entrepreneurs doing the hard work of helping others grow. There is something universal about the challenges small business owners face, no matter where you are in the world.
And that’s exactly what I spoke about.
I shared a message that has been quietly shaping my work for decades.
Peace in the world begins with peace in me. And in you. And in every small business owner trying to make a living, a contribution, and a difference.
The Global Crisis No One Talks About
Everywhere I go, I see it. Small businesses are struggling, not because their ideas aren’t good or their people aren’t passionate, but because the systems they need to thrive just aren’t in place.
Half of all small businesses fail by year five. That number hasn’t changed in over 30 years. This isn’t just a business problem. It is a human one.
When a business owner burns out, loses confidence, or walks away, it affects families, employees, and communities. In times of economic uncertainty and global unrest, the strength of small businesses matters more than ever.
Peace of Mind Is a Business Strategy
During my talk, I shared a personal story. How trauma and pain from my early life shaped my own vocation—to bring order, clarity, and peace into the lives of small business owners.
I believe that peace of mind is not a luxury. It is a leadership advantage.
For small business owners, peace of mind comes from three things:
- Clear personal values – knowing who you are, what matters to you, and making decisions that align with your truth.
- Connection – to yourself, your team, your community, and your purpose.
- Systems – simple tools that reduce chaos, organize your time, protect your energy, and help your business run smoothly whether you are there or not.
As one participant summarized it so well:
“Peace in the world can begin with peace in me. Trauma and pain can give birth to a vocation. So, clarify your values, communicate them, and live by them. Only then will your environment align with you.”
The Role of Coaches and Leaders
The coaches in that room in Vilnius didn’t need convincing. They’ve seen what happens when a business owner gets support. Not just advice. Not pressure. Real support.
That is where growth happens. That is where peace begins.
As I left the stage, the room was quiet. Grounded. Hopeful. You could feel it.
So I ask you:
- What system is missing that would bring you peace of mind?
- Where are you living out of alignment with your values?
- Who can you connect with today to make your business and your life a little easier?
Peace doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from clarity, alignment, and connection.
And small business owners who feel peace inside bring that peace with them everywhere they go.
