Resilience, Leadership, and Lessons from Crisis
A Conversation with Darren Mende
On the latest episode of Built Without a Net, I sat down with my friend and colleague Darren Mende, an entrepreneur, corporate veteran, and small business executive who now runs a boutique CPA firm serving business owners. Darren has worn just about every hat imaginable—from truck driver and business owner to CFO, COO, and now CPA/MBA—and he brings a toolbelt of perspective that few leaders can match.
From Furniture Moves to Finance Leadership
Darren’s career started humbly, moving furniture and driving trucks, but quickly evolved into building and running businesses. He navigated the real estate crash of 2008, transitioned into corporate life at Fannie Mae, and earned his CPA and MBA along the way. That combination of hands-on entrepreneurial grit and financial expertise shaped his ability to step into executive leadership roles and guide businesses through complexity.
Crisis, Tragedy, and Resilience
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation centered on Darren’s experience leading a company through the early days of COVID-19—only to be hit with an unimaginable blow when the founder and CEO tragically took his own life. Suddenly, Darren and the leadership team had to stabilize the company, communicate with employees, and make gut-wrenching decisions in real time, all while processing the personal loss of a colleague and friend.
Darren shared candid lessons from that period:
The critical importance of succession planning and key-person insurance.
The need to establish clear frameworks for accountability and communication.
Why leaders must balance empathy with urgent, decisive action when crisis strikes.
And perhaps most importantly, the reminder that mental health is real, and checking in on one another can make a difference.
Takeaways for Leaders
If you’re a business owner or executive, Darren’s story is both sobering and inspiring. He reminds us that behind every financial forecast and strategic plan are people—people who carry stress, loyalty, fear, and hope. His insights on navigating uncertainty, focusing on cash flow, and keeping communication clear are invaluable for any leader building “without a net.”
🎧 Listen to the full conversation on Built Without a Net here: Apple Podcasts — also available on all major streaming services.
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