ForceForward is a video interview series from ForceBrands that highlights what businesses and teams look like tomorrow. 
 

What happens when your business is built around in-person meetings and events, and the world suddenly shifts to a new virtual reality? How do you adapt?

We caught up with FounderMade‘s Founder Meghan Asha to learn how she’s pivoted the company’s business model to adapt to today’s climate amid COVID-19. FounderMade, a brand discovery platform that hosts trade shows and events to connect brands with key retailers and industry leaders, has since moved brand connectivity online since COVID-19’s outbreak in early March.

Still, FounderMade is a gathering place for brands to drive awareness, distribution, financing, partnerships, and press. We caught up with Asha to learn more.

Check out some highlights below:

On Leading During a Crisis
“You feel like sometimes you need to step up and be ultra optimistic and just push through. But I don’t think you become a trusted or a good leader without showing that you’re human. Know that it’s okay to be gentle with yourself while trying to lead. Lead and be okay with it not being perfect.”

On What Makes a Breakthrough Brand
“It’s when you have a mission bigger than yourself.”

On How Brands Should Adapt
“The best brands tell their story, and right now digital is everything. I think building a really strong business online is how you get through this. Diversify your revenue stream and figure out how you can go digital and pivot to digital as quickly as possible.”

Watch the full episode here.