Putting Passion into Practice – How to Build a Business that Reflects your “Why” 

How many times did you hear growing up that the key to career happiness is to “do what you love?” For many entrepreneurs, this advice ignites a burning passion for a particular field.

However, let’s be real: turning that passion into a profitable and sustainable business can be quite the challenge. It comes with unexpected practicalities and tough realities.

A 2025 report by Start-Up Ranking reveals that only 10% of start-ups succeed, with a five-year survival rate of just 51.3%. Furthermore, entrepreneurs pursuing passion-driven businesses often face difficulties related to product-market fit, a leading cause of failure for 34% of start-ups.

The highs and lows of building a purpose-led venture resonate with me personally.

When I established my veterinary practice 17 years ago, my primary goal was to provide better care for the street cats of Abu Dhabi. Initially, this mission became the heartbeat of my practice and my driving force. Yet, as I immersed myself in this work, I realised that the need for compassionate treatment extended far beyond stray animals – and that to grow, our infrastructure, operations, and processes needed to evolve too.

In 2014, we made a significant leap by becoming the first ISFM Cat Friendly Practice in the Middle East. This marked the beginning of a holistic approach that addressed not only the physical health of our furry patients but also their mental and emotional well-being.

Our aim was straightforward yet impactful. We sought to create a safe and comforting environment where every pet could receive the care they deserved. We soon expanded our focus to include canine patients, achieving Fear-Free Certified Team status in 2018 and becoming a Fear-Free Certified Practice in 2024.

Integrating Cat-Friendly and Fear-Free methodologies has pushed us to innovate and think outside the box. We are fully committed to ensuring that every patient enjoys the best care and experience possible, and that requires constant analysis and deliberate action to maintain performance.

So, what have I learned on this founder’s journey about transforming passion into a sustainable business?

The most crucial takeaway is that it requires not only dedication but also a willingness to adapt and grow. 

No matter how well-researched your business plan is or how savvy you think you are, the unknowns will test you to your limits.

As entrepreneurs, we constantly face challenges – that’s the name of the game. 

These challenges can be stressful, especially when striving for a sustainable business with longevity. My advice is to consistently return to your “why” and surround yourself with a values-aligned team that can ride the waves and weather the storms of entrepreneurship. That also means taking the time to help staff truly understand and embrace those values.

Entrepreneurs tend to be disruptors at heart, often facing questions and criticism. Therefore, staying true to your vision, supported by friends, family, and team members, is crucial. 

Of course, balancing purpose with profitability is essential. 

The good news is it’s entirely possible to align both when you acknowledge both equally. Our ideal customers resonate with our mission, providing repeat business and referrals that enhance profitability.

For founders feeling disconnected from their original purpose, I strongly recommend working with business coaches. This transformative experience can help clarify your values and goals amidst the chaos of running a business.

Remember, your core values should serve as a strategic filter for decisions – whether related to hiring, partnerships, or pricing. When values drive decisions, your brand becomes stronger, more consistent, and more trustworthy.

Additionally, prioritising mental and emotional health is crucial to avoiding burnout. Simple practices like good sleep, a healthy diet, exercise, and mindfulness can significantly impact your success. Time out is essential too – it doesn’t mean you’re slacking off, just that you’re recharging.

It’s also important to say that leading with meaning doesn’t mean every day feels purposeful. Far from it.

Some days, you must dig deep to keep yourself motivated. This is where passion steps in. As Steve Jobs aptly put it: “If you don’t love something, you’re not going to go the extra mile, work the extra weekend, or challenge the status quo as much.”

I always recommend being open about any brick walls you face and having honest conversations with your team and stakeholders – authentic leadership builds trust and inspires others to stay committed during tough times.

Starting a new company is exciting, but the road to success is filled with challenges. 

One of the biggest pitfalls is underestimating financial strain – many founders struggle with managing cash flow, securing funding, or misjudging market demand. Without careful planning, even the best ideas can fail due to financial instability.

Another significant hurdle is building the right team. 

Hiring talent that aligns with the company’s vision is crucial; yet many founders rush the process or struggle with delegation, leading to burnout. Decision fatigue becomes a constant stressor – founders must juggle strategy, operations, and branding while making critical choices with limited data.

Competition adds another layer of pressure. In crowded industries, standing out requires strong branding, clear messaging, and adaptability. Many founders also overestimate the likelihood of rapid success, underestimating the time it takes to gain traction. Being positive but realistic is a fine art you must master.

So, my final tip is simple – be patient, stay sharp and trust that your guiding purpose will see you through.